Robert Redford's local roots shaped Sundance legacy

In a recent community gathering, local residents were treated to a nostalgic recounting of Robert Redford's early ties to the area, particularly his ownership of a building in downtown Provo. The building, located at 78 West Center Street, housed a men's retail store named Hoovers on the main floor and a ski shop called the Sport Chalet upstairs during the early 1960s.

The speaker highlighted the significance of this location in shaping the aesthetic of the Sundance resort, noting the distinctive rock wall at the back of the building that mirrors the design elements found throughout Sundance, including the fireplace at the Tree Room restaurant. This architectural feature was also present in Redford's personal cabin at Sundance, showcasing a consistent theme in his vision for the area.

The discussion included a personal anecdote from 2018, when the speaker arranged a surprise visit for Redford and his daughter to revisit the site, emphasizing the lasting impact of his early ventures on the community and the cultural landscape of Sundance. The gathering served as a reminder of the intertwined histories of local figures and the development of the region, celebrating both the past and its influence on the present.