Salamander Resort & Spa, the ambitious, contentious enterprise of tycoon Sheila Johnson, took years of politicking and persuasion to get off the ground. Now an economic double-whammy has delayed the resort's opening till spring of 2011.

Photo: Katherine Frey, Washington Post

Tagged: construction, development, Economy, growth, Middleburg

Construction continues at the Salamander Resort & Spa in Middleburg.

Photo: Katherine Frey, Washington Post

Tagged: construction, development, Economy, growth, Middleburg

Sheila Johnson tours her Salamander Resort & Spa in Middleburg. Construction continues despite the set back of the opening until spring of 2011.

Photo: Katherine Frey, Washington Post

Tagged: construction, development, Economy, growth, Middleburg

The horse stables on the property overlook part of the town of Middleburg.

Photo: Katherine Frey, Washington Post

Tagged: construction, development, Economy, growth, Middleburg

Sheila Johnson tours the construction site of an outdoor pool with individual cabanas at her Salamander Resort & Spa in Middleburg. Construction continues despite the set back of the opening till spring of 2011.

Photo: Katherine Frey, Washington Post

Tagged: construction, development, Economy, growth, Middleburg

Sheila Johnson stands in the middle of what will be the main dining room at her Salamander Resort & Spa in Middleburg.

Photo: Katherine Frey, Washington Post

Tagged: construction, development, Economy, growth, Middleburg