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03-06-2008, 07:29 AM
JEFFREY P. MAYOR; jeff.mayor@thenewstribune.com Published: March 6th, 2008 01:00 AM | Updated: March 6th, 2008 06:55 AM
Paradise Inn, the signature lodge at Mount Rainier National Park, will reopen to overnight guests and diners on May 16.
Guest Services Inc., the concession operator at the park, has begun taking reservations for the inn for the upcoming season.
A National Historic Landmark, Paradise Inn has been closed since October 2006 for an extensive rehabilitation. The $20 million project included structural and seismic upgrades, the first since it opened on July 1, 1917.
Among the work that has been done is stabilizing the foundation, rebuilding the three chimneys and hearths in the main lobby and dining hall, and upgrading several guest rooms to be compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. In addition, the lounge has been closed, but beer and wine will be served from the cafe. In addition, new windows have been installed in the gift shop.
Because crews could not reach Paradise in early February because of heavy snow and avalanches, the completion date has been pushed back to mid-April, said Eric Walkinshaw, project manager for the park.
The plan now calls for Guest Services to begin much of its work to reopen the inn the third week of April. They will begin sooner than that in areas where the rehabilitation work is complete, Walkinshaw said.
Much of the work has been done to maintain or restore the historic character of the 118-room inn.
Ellen Gage, the park’s historical architect, said if visitors comment that they cannot see what was accomplished with the restoration, the project would be considered a success.
Jeffrey P. Mayor: 253-597-8640
blogs.thenewstribune.com/adventure
To book a room
For Paradise Inn reservations, call 360-569-2275. For destination information and lodging options outside the park, go to www.visitrainier.com.
source: http://www.thenewstribune.com/soundlife/story/301780.html
Paradise Inn, the signature lodge at Mount Rainier National Park, will reopen to overnight guests and diners on May 16.
Guest Services Inc., the concession operator at the park, has begun taking reservations for the inn for the upcoming season.
A National Historic Landmark, Paradise Inn has been closed since October 2006 for an extensive rehabilitation. The $20 million project included structural and seismic upgrades, the first since it opened on July 1, 1917.
Among the work that has been done is stabilizing the foundation, rebuilding the three chimneys and hearths in the main lobby and dining hall, and upgrading several guest rooms to be compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. In addition, the lounge has been closed, but beer and wine will be served from the cafe. In addition, new windows have been installed in the gift shop.
Because crews could not reach Paradise in early February because of heavy snow and avalanches, the completion date has been pushed back to mid-April, said Eric Walkinshaw, project manager for the park.
The plan now calls for Guest Services to begin much of its work to reopen the inn the third week of April. They will begin sooner than that in areas where the rehabilitation work is complete, Walkinshaw said.
Much of the work has been done to maintain or restore the historic character of the 118-room inn.
Ellen Gage, the park’s historical architect, said if visitors comment that they cannot see what was accomplished with the restoration, the project would be considered a success.
Jeffrey P. Mayor: 253-597-8640
blogs.thenewstribune.com/adventure
To book a room
For Paradise Inn reservations, call 360-569-2275. For destination information and lodging options outside the park, go to www.visitrainier.com.
source: http://www.thenewstribune.com/soundlife/story/301780.html