A multi-billionaire's ambitious proposal to construct a colossal, industrial-inspired mansion in one of America's most exclusive ski resorts has ignited a fierce legal and planning battle, pitting neighbour against neighbour.
A Gargantuan Design Rooted in Local History
Matthew Prince, the 51-year-old co-founder and CEO of cybersecurity titan Cloudflare, is seeking to build an 11,000-square-foot single-family home in the picturesque mountain community of Park City, Utah. With an estimated net worth of $5.9 billion, making him Utah's wealthiest individual according to Forbes, Prince's vision is for a brown, mine-inspired residence overlooking the valley, complete with an outdoor pool, terrace, and substantial underground parking.
The initial plans, submitted in 2022, detailed 7,000 square feet of finished living space alongside 4,000 square feet of underground parking, with a further 6,000 square feet designated as unfinished living area. Prince, who was raised in Park City, has consistently defended the design, arguing it pays homage to the area's mining heritage. He has cited support from local historical groups, stating they acknowledged the design as something "inspired by the mines of Park City."
Neighbourhood Backlash and Legal Wrangling
Despite this historical justification, the project has faced significant opposition from local residents, most notably from downhill neighbours Eric Hermann, 73, and Susan Fredston-Hermann, 70. The couple have filed a lawsuit aiming to halt construction, arguing the proposal violates zoning laws—a claim supported by eight other households in the vicinity.
The dispute has reached a critical juncture, with the Park City Council scheduled to meet to consider a consent agreement that would effectively grant Prince the final permission he needs—a building permit. This decision comes after years of friction and a previous approval from the Park City Planning Commission, which the Hermanns sued to block in 2024.
Eric Hermann has voiced strong objections to the potential consent agreement, fearing it would deny them a fair hearing in court. "A consent agreement won't stop the court hearing unless all parties agree to stop the court hearing," he stated. He further warned that approving the plans would "open the doors to any moneyed interest that is willing to threaten the city with legislation."
A Broader Battle for Park City's Character
The conflict transcends a simple neighbour dispute, touching on broader tensions about development, historical preservation, and local control in the celebrity-favoured resort. Park City Mayor Ryan Dickey framed the three-year saga as part of a wider "defense of our historic district," a fight he described as "really hard" but ultimately successful in maintaining local oversight.
Amidst the high-stakes planning battle, personal animosity has also flared. Prince previously filed his own legal action against the Hermanns, alleging their two Bernese Mountain dogs had acted in a "menacing" manner towards his toddler and elderly mother. The Hermanns countered that Prince never raised the issue with them directly before suing and denied any problematic interactions.
The outcome now rests with the city council. If the consent agreement is approved, Prince's related lawsuit against the city would likely be dismissed, potentially leaving the objecting neighbours without further legal recourse. The decision will determine whether Utah's richest man can finally break ground on his monumental, mine-inspired estate in the hills above Park City.
