If Aspen has a champion, John Sarpa would most certainly be in the running, a man who has spent his time in Aspen influencing and affecting the place he has officially called home since 1996 (he began working here in the ’80s). His efforts have always been rooted in a desire to maintain the special mountain town he first encountered in the ’70s with his then girlfriend, now wife. His impact has been felt on countless organizations and projects thanks to his launching of Sarpa Development five years ago to specifically focus on local initiatives, as well as his long relationship with Aspen Valley Hospital, serving as the chairman of the board and CEO and now the chairman of the board of the Aspen Valley Hospital Foundation, an experience he calls “one of my most rewarding experiences as a member of our community.”
His most recent project is the much-anticipated development of the W Aspen, which he co-developed with Northridge Capital. “I think we have been able to bring back some of the vibrant, edgy and joyful type of gathering places Aspen used to be known for,” says Sarpa, who in addition to being a real estate developer is also a realtor with Forte Aspen. “W Aspen does that in spades.” So, what does Sarpa hope his legacy will be in the town he has dedicated a good portion of his life to? “I would hope people could say I knew and understood Aspen well and was able to help lead a number of initiatives that had a significant, lasting and positive impact on our community.”