Category: Lake Tahoe / Truckee News

Hows Creative Minds Help Solve Housing Shortage in Truckee, CA

(Photo courtesy of Nancy Holliday)

It never ceases to amaze me to read about new innovations and the incredible amount of professional talent that continues to choose the Truckee and Lake Tahoe region as their home sweet home – and this story will show that this is no exception.

For many years, the region has struggled with housing for all the Lake Tahoe ski resort employees that dream of ‘living the dream’ and working at a ski resort. The jobs are certainly available and pay well – in addition to offering food, rentals, lessons at greatly reduced costs or free, what doesn’t come with the job offer is an affordable home in which to live out that dream.

New “Building Blocks” Bring Affordable Housing to Truckee, CA

In a recent story Moonshine Ink, one of my favorite local independent newspapers, I saw a story that I just had to share in my news section to you today.

Long story short, a group of local businesses “couldn’t take it anymore” and decided to reach out to resources across the country to help lessen the burden on its resort employees and do something about the housing shortage.

As the story goes …

“This December an initial wave of 12-by-60-foot flatbed trucks carrying Truckee housing will roll into town. The homes, stacked like 20-ton Lego blocks, will be bound for the community’s newest housing development, Coburn Crossing, bringing 137 much needed rentals to the market. Closely following will be a second round of homes on wheels headed for the 90-unit affordable housing Artist Lofts project at the Truckee Railyard.”

What’s fascinating about all of this is that this whole idea of doing something ‘outside of the box” started with a grassroots effort by local business men and women.

Today, three hours from Truckee, the affordable housing units are being built inside – not a box – yet an old converted submarine manufacturing site (in Vallejo, CA) from the middle of the last century! And they are being built at a rate of “a unit a day!”

Wrapping this up to keep things short and sweet, here’s another snip-it from the story that tells the rest of the story …

A good fit for Truckee/Tahoe

“Here in Truckee/Tahoe the benefits of modular have the potential to count double. According to Pat Davison, governmental affairs director at the Contractors Association of Truckee Tahoe, the local building industry is strong, but the workforce never fully bounced back from the last recession. She said an influx of modular building, as long as providers savvy to our regional codes and practices, would be “welcomed with open arms.” She also echoed Bradshaw’s sentiments about the changing industry.

“It’s about … being open-minded, being able to evolve, and grow as an industry and that means embracing some of these new ideas and new ways of doing things,” said Davison.

Gotta love living in a place where creative minds work together for all the right reasons!

If you ever want to know what’s going on within the home design and building business in Truckee or Lake Tahoe, feel free to reach out. I’ve been watching the market for over 30 years and would love to share the history that is apparently being made every day!

James P. Borelli
Founder/Principal
Borelli Architecture
Truckee / Lake Tahoe
jim@borelliarchitecture.com
775.831.3060

TRPA To Finalize Vote on New Lake Tahoe Shoreline Plan

For those of you who are looking for a Lake Tahoe architect to help you build a home on Lake Tahoe, commence on an extensive home remodel, or are involved in a redevelopment project, I encourage you to read this blog to the end.

This past week, the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency provided us with an update to their two-year process of developing a new Shoreline Plan.

Noted by the TRPA as “milestones,” this initiatives will come to a close – estimated for final approval October 24th – with the final unveiling of what property owners and commercial developers will need to know before anyone puts their pen to the paper to design, or redesign, any property along the Lake’s well-protected shoreline.

What is the TRPA Shoreline Plan and Why Is It Important to You?

Two years ago, the TRPA joined forces with a variety of stakeholders and embarked on a highly-collaborative planning process focused on fighting aquatic invasive species, improving the health of our forests, upgrading the region’s transportation system and developing a basin-wide wildfire preparedness program.

Why is this important to you? According to the TRPA’s recent newsletter:

“The proposed Shoreline Plan creates development caps and regulations for a limited number of new shoreline structures such as piers, buoys, and public boat ramps, as well as a framework for marinas to expand or reconfigure if they incorporate environmental improvements.”

The update from TRPA continued to explain … “The programs include better boater education and enforcement of the 600-foot no-wake zone, an expansion of the no-wake zone to include all Emerald Bay, and new no-wake buffer zones for swimmers, paddlers, and shoreline structures; all aimed at reducing boating noise impacts and improving recreation safety on the lake.

“… the new programs also include better monitoring for noise and scenic impacts, additional projects to control harmful aquatic invasive species, enforcement of unauthorized moorings on the lake, and new provisions to keep loud boats with aftermarket exhaust systems that exceed noise standards from operating on the lake.

In short … as a property owner, with a home within in the Lake Tahoe basin and on the lake, in particular, you will be held to requirements if you choose to alter your land, remodel your boathouse, our replace or install a buoy.

Have no fear! The Borelli Team is here …

For over 30 years, Borelli Architecture in Lake Tahoe and Truckee have been offering a variety of architectural design services to help our clients get through the numerous TRPA policies and county ordinances that one must adhere to when one wants to change the lay of the land. Some of the services key to this subject include:

Site Planning
Space Planning
Permit Processing Assistance
TRPA Feasibility Studies

If you believe you might be impacted by the new regulations of the TRPA Shoreline Plan, please do reach out. We’ve been around the Lake region for a long time and have the appropriate connections and local insight that only a local Lake Tahoe architectural firm can offer.

James P. Borelli
Founder/Principal
Borelli Architecture
Truckee / Lake Tahoe
jim@borelliarchitecture.com
775.831.3060

TIPS TO GET YOUR STARTED ON YOUR NEW MOUNTAIN HOME

There is something about living in and around some of the most spectacular scenery that shifts one’s outlook on life – outdoors – in the mountains. And day after day our architectural firm in Truckee and Lake Tahoe is hearing from our clients who have made the decision to pack up and move to the High Sierra… for just those reasons. Clear air. Less traffic. Spectacular seasons. Endless adventure right out their backdoor.

So let’s get started. Here are some top tips from Borelli Architecture who enjoys every opportunity to design homes in the Lake Tahoe and Truckee regions for clients who seek a healthier lifestyle.

Choose a location that fits your needs and dreams.

Fortunately for all, the Lake Tahoe and Truckee region offer an outstanding variety of new home development opportunities as well as vacant land in residential communities and on the outskirts of town. From the prestigious Martis Camp development in Truckee, CA, to the new property options in and around Northstar California, to vacant land throughout Tahoe’s North Shore, it is highly likely that the perfect spot for you to call ‘home’ awaits you and yours.

Decide on your ideal home’s style.

When we talk with our clients about their vision of the ‘perfect mountain home,’ we always hear a different answer. Some want an architectural design ‘brings the outdoors in.’ Others explain their interest to design the home to complement the property’s environmental features. And there’s always a conversation to ensure the home is structurally sound to last for generations – no matter how tough a winter season may be.

Set a budget.

From the initial purchase of your property, to the last yard of carpet, you will want to be sure you have an appropriate budget to cover the obvious, and sometimes not so obvious, expenses. As this is one of the most important investments in your life, our team at Borelli Architecture always ensures our clients are financially prepared and comfortable with what’s to come.

For mountain home design, secure a local architect.

Building homes in the High Sierra is an art to be handled by those who have the knowledge and experience in designing mountain homes that will protect your investment, and your family, from the varying and challenging seasonal changes; high winds, deep snowpack, freezing temperatures, and long hot days all come in to play. Don’t risk purchasing a pre-fabricated plan on line; they won’t hold up to the extreme conditions.

And with a local architect’s insight, they will also help you get the best benefits out of your property’s location. Windows facing east to capture the morning sun, patios facing west for the perfect sunset spot, and a driveway facing south to melt the winter snow.

Be aware of, and abide by, the local TRPA and County rules and regulations.

There might not be another region around the world that is tied to as many rules and regulations when it comes to building or remodeling a home in Lake Tahoe. It’s so complex, our team at Borelli Architecture offers an extensive list of services to keep the process of building your home stress free:

Personal Architectural Design Services
Site Planning
Contractor Selection and Bidding Assistance
Construction Administration Service
Space Planning
Permit Processing Assistance
Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) Feasibility Studies

Ready to seek a healthier lifestyle for the best of the rest of your life?

We’re ready when you are. And even if you are just thinking about the option to move to Lake Tahoe or Truckee, feel free to give us a call for some good-old-fashioned local advice on how to build a home in the mountains.

James P. Borelli
Founder/Principal
Borelli Architecture
Truckee / Lake Tahoe
jim@borelliarchitecture.com
775.831.3060

How to Keep Your Forested Landscape Healthy, Fire Safe

With all the fires that the West has experienced, and continues to fight, this year, I thought our architectural firm in Lake Tahoe might be able to help you keep your backyard healthy and as prepared as possible for next year’s fire season.

Defensible Space. Why It’s Important to You and Your Home.

In June, we published an extensive blog about defensible space, and what you can do right now while the weather is still nice for outdoor yard work. For a complete list of the best tips for preparing your home with defensible space, be sure to click into that story about defensible space right here on our website.

Forest in Your Backyard? Keep It Healthy & Fire Safe.

For over 30 years, Borelli Architecture has been designing mountain homes in the Lake Tahoe Basin and Truckee region that are often wrapped within a forest environment. Inasmuch as we focus on designing the home to our clients’ needs and dreams, we always take the adjoining landscape and trees into mind within the design process.

Once the home is established, we encourage our clients to invest some time in their yards to ensure they remain healthy as that contributes to the home’s value as well as the overall health of the forest.

To get you started, we’re offering some tips on how to maintain a healthy forest.

Get To Know Your Trees. This is always a fun adventure to share with your kids and is also educational for you as well. We found a good source that identifies pines in particular, complete with photos that serve as an excellent ‘cheat sheet’ as you wander through your forested backyard, or on a hike this fall.

Learn about the Popular Insects and Diseases of the Tahoe Basin. You probably have heard about the Beetle infestation, yet what about Heart Rot, Dwarf Mistletoe and Western Gall Rust? All can have a significant impact on the health of your trees. As can man-made injuries from snowplows and other machinery and cars. What you may think is a diseased tree, could actually be an injured pine. This link will show you photos and complete descriptions of the diseases and insects of the Lake Tahoe Basin and surrounding High Sierra.

Give Your Trees Some Space. Depending on the size of the trees, you may have to secure a permit to remove a few trees that are overcrowding its neighbors. For a good guide as to what steps you need to take, click into this brochure “A Property Owner’s Guide to Tree Removal in the Lake Tahoe Basin.”

Landscape Appropriately. When our architectural firm in Tahoe embarks on the design of our clients’ homes, we are certainly involved in site planning, space planning, and TRPA feasibility studies, among many other services that are needed to build a home in Truckee and Lake Tahoe. And although we are not involved in the landscaping per se, we appreciate every opportunity to share our local insight as to which plants and shrubs are appropriate for our four-season environment. To help you out, here’s a link to a “Home Landscaping Guide for Lake Tahoe and the Vicinity.”

If you ever have any questions about how to keep your forested backyard healthy, or need additional tips or professional assistance with defensible space, just give Borelli Architecture a call at 775-831-3060. We have a variety of home building services and landscaping contacts to help you do the best job to keep your backyard fire-safe and forest healthy for years to come.

James P. Borelli
Founder/Principal
Borelli Architecture
Truckee / Lake Tahoe
jim@borelliarchitecture.com
775.831.3060

Incline Village Selected as “Prettiest Town in Nevada”

As one who has designed mountain homes and lakeside estates in Lake Tahoe and Truckee, you can imagine how excited we were at Borelli Architecture in Incline Village to read a recent article from Architectural Digest that selected our hometown as the “Prettiest Town in Nevada.” We are exceptionally impressed that this award was based on a variety of features that included accolades for the community’s home designs and architecture in particular.

Here’s how this all came together as noted on the publication’s website:

Rich in architecture and layered with nature—whether it’s canopies of trees, a beach that stretches for miles, or the glass-like surface on a lake or river—each U.S. state hosts more than one town that will take your breath away. From the East Coast to all the way to the West, we have listed are our favorites, with special love for small towns that are also abundant in culture. So put on your hiking boots and get ready to explore. Chances are, you’ll come back home with memories that will last a lifetime, or even a new piece of art to hang in your home.

Mountain Home Design Wrapped in Spectacular Settings

From the north shore of Lake Tahoe to top of Incline Village, Borelli Architecture had has the opportunity to design a wide variety of homes to complement the setting that Architectural Digest fell in love with. We did too, long ago.

And, we thought this might be a nice opportunity to give you a sneak peak of homes designed to complement all that Mother Nature has to offer right here in the High Sierra:

Highway 28 – North Lake Tahoe

902 Jennifer – Incline Village

615 Woodridge Circle – Incline Village

When you are ready to remodel or build a home in Lake Tahoe and seek an architect who knows all about designing mountain homes or lakeside estates, I would be honored to show you my portfolio and discuss your next steps.

Just contact me at my Architect office in Incline.

James P. Borelli
Founder/Principal
Borelli Architecture
Truckee / Lake Tahoe
jim@borelliarchitecture.com
775.831.3060

Top Architectural Home Designs For the Perfect Pooch Palace

Did you know that according to the American Pet Products Association (APPA), just under half of the American households have a dog? And as home to many fine pooches over the years, my wife Kelly and I fully understand why.

After many wonderful years sharing our mountain home that I designed in Lake Tahoe for my family – which included Dexter who we recently had to put down – we now have a new pup, Jasper (pictured above), who is just getting to know his new digs.

As I walked around our home in Incline Village with my new pal in hand, I realized that there are new opportunities for me to add some innovative or just plain appropriate features into my architectural designs for mountain home in Truckee and lakeside estates at Tahoe.

Here are a few of the top tips that I will recommend to my future clients who seek my architectural design services in North Lake Tahoe and the Truckee region. Regardless of what my clients will request for their furry friend, I will certainly make sure the design is practical as well as aesthetically pleasing.

Top Ideas for Pet Friendly Architectural Home Design

Ceiling to Floor Windows – With the views the come with owning a home in the High Sierra, big windows are pretty much a given. Jasper likes to pretend he’s our new watch-dog, and I can tell he enjoys sitting by the large floor to ceiling windows in our living room. As I design pet friendly homes in the future, I’ll make a special note to ask my clients about where they spend their time; and make sure there are plenty of floor level windows, so their pet can enjoy the views as well.
Mud Room – Most of the mountain home entries are tiled to take the beating that comes with wind, sleet, snow and such. In this situation, I’ll also add a drain in the center so it’s easy to hose down the dirt that a dog (and owners) will inevitably bring into the home.
Dog Wash – This might be an addition to the Mud Room or a separate small room close to the garage or other outdoor entry. The convenient Mud Room will include plenty of storage for towels, shampoo, dryers, and include a good-sized sink for bathing and rinsing out the food and water bowls.
Lower Ventilation System – For home with wooden floors, I’ll review options for a floor level vacuum system that would make the task of sweeping up dog hair a much more efficient process than a good old-fashioned broom.
Pet Accessible Entrances / Exits –As humans we come and go in and out of our home at a variety of locations; why not the pet? I will suggest several pet-accessible options as long as they blend into the architectural design of the home.
Organic Materials – Although this is not part of the architectural design, I’ll work with my wife Kelly who owns Kelly Borelli Interiors and has been providing exceptional design services to Lake Tahoe resort homes and commercial clients for over 20 years. She will have some excellent insight on low-volatile-organic-compound-containing paints, among other assets like resilient flooring and stain-resistant fabrics.

There are many additional architectural design features to make a pet feel right at home and a good fit into your own personality and desires as well. When the time comes when you are ready to build a pet friendly home in Lake Tahoe or throughout the Truckee region, I’d be honored to help your furry friends have a home that they deserve.

Call or contact me at any time!

James P. Borelli
Founder/Principal
Borelli Architecture
Truckee / Lake Tahoe
jim@borelliarchitecture.com
775.831.3060

Concours d’Elegance – Where Architectural Design Meets the Water’s Edge

As former owners of a classic wooden boat for many years, (ours is the one with the green interior pictured above) my wife, Kelly, and I have a deep appreciation for the nautical artistry that has evolved over thousands of years … and continues to be celebrated right here on the crystal clear waters of Lake Tahoe, at the annual Concours d’Elegance.

Next month, some of finest wooden boats in the country will be displayed on the west shore of the Lake. Some of the owners of classics of all categories will come to compete for the prestigious Perpetual Trophies of the Concours d’Elegance, many will come with a dream to own and perhaps purchase a classic of their own, yet all will attend to share in the history, artistry, and comradery that can only be experienced at an event like this.

As an architect in the Lake Tahoe and Truckee region for over 30 years, I have had the opportunity to share my own passion for creating and designing homes that may be as intricate, treasured, and respected by their owners – as the wooden boats that will be floating on the lake in August.

There is no doubt that designing homes that are built with the only finest craftsmanship and attention to detail is very much the same thought process and respect that comes with superior boat design. This similarity is best described in this official definition of “architectural design”

“A concept that focuses on the components or elements of a structure or system and unifies them into a coherent and functional whole, according to a particular approach in achieving the objective(s) under the given constraints or limitations.”

HISTORY of the CONCOURS d’ELEGANCE at LAKE TAHOE

If there is any opportunity for you to come to Tahoe to experience this event, we encourage you to do so. To help you understand the magnitude of this event, here’s an excerpt from the event’s website:

In 1972 a group of Tahoe Yacht Club members and friends got together to share their passion for wooden boats. From this modest beginning, the Lake Tahoe Concours d’ Elegance has grown to play a significant role in the wooden boat community, as well as the Lake Tahoe maritime community.

Since its induction in 1994 the Tahoe Yacht Club Foundation has hosted the Lake Tahoe Concours d’Elegance focusing on the continuing growth of the show, the quality of boat exhibits, the highest of judging standards and practices, and most importantly, sharing the passion of wooden boats between exhibitors and public.

Each year the Tahoe Yacht Club Foundation raises money for a charitable organization which is exclusively focused in providing educational opportunities originating in the Lake Tahoe area that enhance expertise or understanding of maritime skills.”

And if you ever want to speak to an architect who is as appreciative of this nautical artistry, as he is for the intricate design of fine mountain and lakefront homes, I’d be honored for the chat.

I hope to can make it to Tahoe this August for the Concours d’Elegance, and if you have a few minutes, do visit the website and watch the video. You’ll be packing your bags in no time!

Contact me at any time!

James P. Borelli
Founder/Principal
Borelli Architecture
Truckee / Lake Tahoe
jim@borelliarchitecture.com
775.831.3060

Build a Home. Work From Home. Live Happily Ever After.

With the exposive attraction of the region from Millenials, to the Boomers who have had their heart set to move to a quaint community town, Lake Tahoe and Truckee are seeing the light. When you skim the websites of our papers, every week you will see articles about how our local Chamber of Commerce, Visitor’s Bureau, and Economic Development Committees are workingi24/7 to bring new businesses to town, and new services to support our new residents’ needs.

Our improved air service is one fine example.

New Private, Semi-Private Air Services Expanding in Reno/Tahoe

It didn’t take long for several private and semi-private air service providers to recognize the growth in population in the Truckee and Lake Tahoe region. For those of us who have lived here for quite some time, that’s no secret to us as well.

Families and young professionals who have the ability to work virtually are moving to the High Sierra and calling it home.

As a professional architectural firm in Incline Village, we have seen the growth first-hand – which has been spurred by the ability for anyone to work from anywhere on the planet. So why not build a home or lakeside estate and wrap your business within the magnificent views that only Lake Tahoe and Truckee can offer.

Come and Go as You Please

With private air travel becoming more popular, North Lake Tahoe continues to embrace and improve the Tahoe Truckee Airport (KTRK). The following companies provide private air services from locations throughout the West.

MountainLionAviation.com
GaryAir.com
SurfAir.com
WheelsUp.com

JetSuiteX Lands in Reno, NV

Just this month, JetSuiteX landed its wheels for operation out of the Reno’s Atlantic Aviation. As a recent press announcement noted:

“It hopes to lure travelers over from commercial with promises of no lines, cramped seats or baggage fees — and a free cocktail.”

The article further explained that the startup airline, an offshoot of the private charter jet company JetSuite, launched in 2016 under the guide of former JetBlue executive Alex Wilcox.

“Targeting fliers weary from the frustrating realities of modern air travel, JetSuiteX’s charter-style service offers rates that are on average $40 more than standard commercial flights. JetSuiteX passengers show up 15 minutes before the flight at a private terminal and board the 30-person aircraft, boasting seats with 36-inches of legroom, where they receive a free drink and snack.”

If you are interested in learning more about the region’s economic development groups and what they may be able to provide you and your business, feel free to reach out at any time.

Our architect firm that services Truckee and the Lake Tahoe area has many connections to help you connect to a life where you may indeed … live happily ever after.

Contact me at any time!

James P. Borelli
Founder/Principal
Borelli Architecture
Truckee / Lake Tahoe
jim@borelliarchitecture.com
775.831.3060

Like the Great Outdoors? You’ll Love this New Website for Eco Enthusiasts!

(Photo was taken on Tunnel Creek Trail – just above the new SR 28 Shared Use Path
a.k.a. “America’s Most Beautiful Bike Path – opening 2019)

Before I launch into my blogs, I like to poke around in the local Lake Tahoe news to see if there might be anything of interest to my clients and friends who love the lake as much as we do.

Professionally, we’re always keeping our eyes open for environmental issues, and with good reason. As a Lake Tahoe architect firm, we honor and respect the delicate nature of our environment and vital rules and regulations that come with designing and building a home or commercial property in the Lake Tahoe and Truckee regions.

Personally, we are all very excited about the new website developed by TakeCareTahoe.org.

Thanks to more than 20 environmental organizations in the Tahoe Region, there is an excellent selection of information about environmental-friendly festivals, beach clean-up events, wildflower hikes, and then some. They also showcase over a dozen locations where people can learn more about the history, science, and environment of Lake Tahoe.

According to their website:

“Take Care is a group of organizations that love Lake Tahoe and strives to make it easier for people to find fun and interesting ways to learn more about Tahoe. Working together, the group launched the newly redesigned and easy-to-use Takecaretahoe.org – a single information source for all environmental education activities. The funding for the new site was made possible by a grant from AT&T.”

“Beach cleanups, wildflower hikes, insightful discussions, and environmentally-friendly festivals are just a few of the opportunities people can find on the new site.”

“Timely information on all the latest environmental events and volunteer opportunities around the lake is also available, with a search feature that allows people to find activities during specific timeframes. People can also discover information on more than a dozen centers where they can spend time learning more about the science, history, and environment of Tahoe.”

If you are thinking about building or remodeling a home in Truckee or North Lake Tahoe, we are always ready to share information about the Tahoe Basin’s Best Management Practices (BMP’s), Washoe County and Placer County Building Permits, Tahoe Regional Planning Agency Feasibility Studies, and other important initiatives that must occur as part of the overall architectural design and building process.

For a full list of our Lake Tahoe and Truckee architectural services and environmental planning assistance, just visit our website now.

By the way, I took the picture above just last week on a great hike up Tunnel Creek Trail in Incline Village. It overlooks the new State Route 28 Shared Use Path that upon completion in 2019 will be “America’s Most Beautiful Bike Path.” Want to know about other local projects underway?

Contact me at any time!

James P. Borelli
Founder/Principal
Borelli Architecture
Truckee / Lake Tahoe
jim@borelliarchitecture.com
775.831.3060

LAKE TAHOE MORE THAN JUST A BEAUTIFUL LAKE, ADDS TO HOME VALUES

Although most of my blogs have been created to enlighten you about real estate trends and the intricacies of building or remodeling a home in the Truckee region and Lake Tahoe Basin, I’ve decided to step away from the norm to share a story that I recently read in Lake Tahoe This Week. The article is titled “25 Amazing Aspects to Lake Tahoe.”

When I read the story, it reminded me as to why my wife, Kelly, and I have worked hard to make a good living in a land that is indeed one of the most spectacular treasures on Earth. I’ll give credit right now to its author, Shanie Matthews, who started the article with accolades for this Gem that without a doubt, adds value to investing in land or property within the Lake Tahoe Basin…

“If you read through my blog posts, you know that one thing is absolutely clear: I truly believe Lake Tahoe is an amazing place. With so many positive points, its exquisiteness can be overwhelming. The way that the mountains create a mesmerizing frame to an ever-changing face of a moody lake is reminiscent of Europe in many ways.”

Highlights of the 25 Amazing Aspects to Lake Tahoe

I suggest you read the whole story, yet in the meantime, Kelly and I selected a few of the highlights that were of personal interest to us:

Lake Tahoe is aging gracefully, clocking in at 2 million years old!
Lake Tahoe is unique in that it is endothermic basin. This means that it drains into the Truckee River and instead of flowing toward the ocean as most rivers do, it flows east into the mountains with a final destination in Pyramid Lake.
Lake Tahoe is one of the purest water lakes in the world, with the water coming in at 99.994% pure (this is close to distilled water that is 99.998% pure).
Our year-round, long-term population for the basin is 53,000 people. This number surges during the peak seasons and can hit 300,000 people.
Lake Tahoe is surrounded by five peaks that are over 9,000 feet, including Rubicon Peak (9,183’), Mt Tallac (9,735’), Pyramid Peak (9,985’), Mt Rose ((10,778’) and Freel Peak (10,881’).
The lighthouse located on Rubicon Trail was once considered the world’s highest working lighthouse.
Crystal Bay is the deepest part of Lake Tahoe, measuring in at a staggering1,645 feet below the surface (a depth that would swallow the Empire State Building).
Lake Tahoe tap water has been named the best tasting tap water in the United States.
There are 63 different tributaries that release water into Lake Tahoe, but only one release valve, being the Truckee River.
And a real favorite that we have yet to see ourselves … There is reported to be a Loch Ness-type monster that lives in Lake Tahoe. Her name is Tessie.

If you ever want to know more about the Lake Tahoe Basin, feel free to contact us at any time. We have been running our architecture firm and interior design companies in Lake Tahoe, and the Truckee region, for over 30 years.

Best to you,

Jim& Kelly Borelli

James P. Borelli
Founder/Principal
Borelli Architecture
Truckee / Lake Tahoe
jim@borelliarchitecture.com
775.831.3060

Kelly Borelli
Kelly Borelli Interiors
Truckee / Lake Tahoe
775.831.3060