Local residents enraged as billionaire unveils massive resort project on outskirts of peaceful village

Wall Street billionaire Joe Ricketts has shared his plans for the 33-acre Granite Ranch in Wyoming that he recently acquired, causing some backlash from locals.

Ricketts, the founder of Ameritrade and owner of the Chicago Cubs, intends to transform the current ranch into a 22,000 square feet resort called ‘The Hawken’. The name is inspired by a muzzle-loading rifle commonly used in the prairies and Rocky Mountains during the Rendezvous era.

‘This property offers a unique opportunity to showcase the unparalleled beauty and wonder of the Yellowstone Ecosystem. 

Ricketts’ team expressed their vision for the resort, stating, ‘We aim for this resort to be a place where conservation and education ignite curiosity and inspiration, encouraging visitors to appreciate and protect nature, both on the property and in their own surroundings.’

Talking about the new name, Ricketts spokeswoman Jessica Jaubert told Cowboy State Daily: ‘The name carries special resonance for those familiar with shooting sports. 

‘Additionally, the “hawk” element subtly ties to our conservation initiatives, creating a bridge between historical preservation and environmental stewardship.

‘In everything we do in Wyoming, our focus is on conservation and providing opportunities to recreate, learn and grow in the Yellowstone ecosystem.’

While official plans remain unclear, a large water feature that looks like a lake called a ‘habitat pond’ is one of the prominent of new features that is expected to be built. 

A brand new main lodge, 10 new private cabins, spa facility and a naturalist center could also be constructed on the land.

According to CSD, a few existing structures will also be repurposed as workforce housing – with one historical cabin being turned into a warming hut for people to heat up during winter activities.

A fine dining restaurant is also expected to be erected which will focus on ‘locally sourced ingredients, a stylish bar and a cozy gathering space’.

The 10 private new cabins will be divided into clusters titled Meadow, Creek and Forest. 

Each of these clusters will have its own central gathering area and offer a secluded as well as intimate lodging experience. 

When asked how much the billionaire is spending on building the glitzy resort, Jaubert did not specify and instead said: ‘I can’t share the exact numbers. However, we’ve allocated sufficient resources to ensure the project’s success.’

However, the plans for this new resort seem to be dwarf in comparison to the ones Ricketts drew up for a 230,000-square-foot luxury resort in Bondurant, Wyoming – which left locals worried about their quieter lifestyle. 

Residents say his ‘tone deaf’ plans will ‘erode’ their culture, destroy wildlife and drive up the cost of living.

He has also been accused of behaving ‘like a little boy who wants all his toys’.

Officials in Teton County have also warned Ricketts to be constrained in his expansions. 

Mark Newcomb, the ski guide-turned-environmental consultant who now chairs the Teton County Board of Commissioners said: ‘If he wants to make it whatever kind of resort he wants to make it, that’s fine. I certainly believe in that right. 

‘But at a high level I’m opposed to the expansion of that particular resort.’

Commissioner Luther Propst added: ‘Teton County’s economic prosperity is based on conservation. 

‘It’s based on protecting our water quality, our fisheries, our wildlife and a new use of a property that is so isolated certainly warrants public scrutiny.’ 

At first, Commissioner Newcomb said he was not alarmed by the proposal. 

He did not expect the expansion to be imminent. But with the release of plans, he now wonders how the redevelopment and new development will mesh with county policy.

‘If they’re proposing 22,000 new, that’s perhaps a little bit interesting,’ Newcomb said.

But despite backlash, Ricketts could be spared intense scrutiny this time as his plan is to be reviewed by the Teton County Planning and Building Department instead of the Teton County commissioners.