In 2008, a BR&P-designed Renaissance Hotel and Convention Center was underway in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Due to the Recession, construction stopped and the building was mothballed, and stayed boarded up for seven years. In 2015, Great Wolf Lodge purchased the property with a vision to convert it to their unique hotel and water park brand, one targeted toward millennial parents and their children. Butler, Rosenbury & Partners served as architect of record in collaboration with ADCI, Great Wolf’s design architect.
Before: Rendering of the Colorado Springs Renaissance Hotel & Convention Center
The hotel celebrated its grand opening at the end of January, and is ready for guests. The resort includes a 311-room all-suite hotel and a 50,000 sq. ft. indoor water park, the largest one in Colorado. This one-stop destination for families also features a 20,000 sq. ft. indoor entertainment area with mini golf, an arcade, mini bowling, a climbing wall and ropes course. The resort has a 20,000 sq. ft. conference center and eight venues for dining and drinks.
Today: The transformed Great Wolf Lodge, a one-stop destination for families.
The Great Wolf Lodge will undoubtedly increase tourism to the area, but it will also provide a boost to the local economy by employing 450. Guests will use the conference center for business meetings, sports gatherings, wedding receptions, and other events that bring revenue into the city. This resort is also supporting local farmers. The Great Wolf Lodge restaurant, Barnwood, features a farm to table concept, sourcing local and sustainable foods.
BR&P Partner Mike Harned, AIA, believes his favorite part of the project is the water park addition, especially the slides that go from the inside to the outside. Another favorite: the amazing views of the Rocky Mountains from the hotel’s lobby. For Partner Gerri Kielhofner, AIA, seeing her largest hotel design getting completed after almost ten years was professionally rewarding. When working with unique projects, Gerri says, “It’s really interesting and challenging for architects when we work on a new project type. It gives us an opportunity to learn how clients run their business, in order to make sure the building meets their expectations!”
Have a project in need of a transformation? Be sure to give us a call at 417-865-6100 or visit www.brpae.com for more information!
Also in the February Newsletter: