Monday Business Briefs: Aspen boasts highest occupancy rate among Colorado ski resorts

May lodging numbers in

Aspen lodges posted an occupancy rate of 42.8 percent in May, while lodges were 64.7 percent full for the first five months of the year, according to the Rocky Mountain Lodging Report issued last week.

From January through May, Aspen had the highest occupancy rate among Colorado ski resorts in the survey. Denver had the highest occupancy rate so far in the state, at 75.2 percent, according to the report.

The average daily room rate in Aspen was $557.32 for the first five months of the year, tops in the state. Vail was second at $440.70 a day, according to the report, which is commissioned by the Colorado Hotel and Lodging Association.

Website showcases local artists

Wendy Smith, once the owner of Dark Horse Alley in Aspen, has launched an online store that showcases local artists and craftsmen, many of whom are at the Aspen Saturday Market.

For more details, visit http://www.with lovefromaspen.com.

Aspen projects get recognition

Aspen-based Willis Pember Architects were recognized at the A’ Design Awards & Competitions ceremony Sunday at the Teatro Sociale in Como, Italy.

The firm was given the Silver A’ Design Award in Architecture, Building and Structure Design Category for its Ur.2 House project, located on Cemetery Lane in Aspen.

Rowland+Broughton Architecture/Urban Design/Interior Design’s Aspen residence project Ridge House received an honorable mention award in the 11th IDA International Design Award competition. The award was submitted in the architectural category.

The R+B team on the project includes Sarah Broughton, Sara Upton, Will Otte, Mark Bever and Carol Cisco.