PROJECT BACKGROUND
The Kansas City Pittsburg and Gulf Railroad built the original 35-room
inn that graced the site of the current lodge in 1898. This inn closed in
1910 and soon fell into disrepair. In 1963, Arkansas State Parks
constructed a new 17-room lodge with restaurant on the site of the
original inn and operated it until it was destroyed by fire in the fall of
1973. This second lodge was soon replaced by a new 38-room lodge and
restaurant in 1975. In 2012, Arkansas State Parks took steps to renovate
and upgrade the mid-70’s era lodge to comply with new building codes
and meet changing customer tastes and expectations.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The Borné Firm Architects, P.A. of Little Rock was selected to
produce plans and specifications for the lodge renovation/expansion
project. Robin Borné’s design addressed the need to upgrade lodge
systems and spaces to meet the myriad of building code changes
implemented since the mid-1970’s to include the Americans with
Disabilities Act. Significant changes in the building’s design were
required and include an increase in the size of guest rooms, expansion
of the lobby and meeting room spaces, renovation of the kitchen and
dining rooms, the addition of a commercial laundry, the addition of a
fire-rated stairwell, and installation of an elevator.
Upgrading the lodge to address changes in building codes required
extensive changes to structural and mechanical systems. Some of the
changes, such as the increase in size of guest room windows, are
readily evident. However, many changes are hidden within the
building but are no less important. The lodge is now served with
efficient heat and air systems, is protected by a fire suppression
system, and now includes a number of sustainable energy features to
include: solar water heating, enhanced glazing (double low-E/Argon
filled,) awnings and overhangs to create shading, energy efficient
HVAC systems and an substantial insulation package.
Renovation / construction began in March 16, 2012, and was
substantially complete in May 2015. The contractors were Wade
Abernathy, Inc. of Mount Ida and Nabholz Construction Services of
Conway. Robert Brown of Development Consultants, Inc., was the
Landscape Architect; Jake Limberg, of Arkansas State Parks, provided
the Interior Furnishings Design.
The project was funded by Arkansas Natural and Cultural Resources
Council grants, State Parks Funds and the Amendment 75, Arkansas’s
1/8 cent Conservation Sales Tax.
PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS
Guest Rooms: One of the most noticed features of the new lodge is
the increased size of windows in the guest rooms which flood these
spaces with natural light and afford guests spectacular views. In
addition to increasing the size of each guest room, the total number of
rooms was increased from 38 to 40.
Hearth Room: The original sitting room was reconfigured and
expanded to create a 1,430 square foot “living room” to support
relaxation and socialization for both groups and individuals. This
amply furnished space has a large fireplace and large banks of
windows which combine to create a welcoming atmosphere.
Restaurant: The restaurant was completely renovated to include
buffet lines and a completely redesigned and refitted kitchen.
Conference Room: A 1,430 square foot conference room was added
on the second floor and can be rented by groups for functions /
presentations. A balcony offers stunning views to the south.
Visitor Services: A large reception desk on the ground floor provides
adequate space to serve visitors while the adjacent gift shop offers a
selection of souvenirs and necessities. Staff offices are housed on the
second floor of the building.
Site Improvements, Access, and Parking: Site work associated with
the building included repaving of visitor parking and loop road, as well
as landscape and drainage improvements. A redesigned overlook &
trailhead area are located immediately south of the lodge. The site is
landscaped with plants indigenous to the region.
BUILDING DATA
Building Area:
37,029 square feet.
Construction Cost:
ANCRC FY 12-14
A-75
State Parks Funds
Construction Subtotal :
$3,331,927
$4,792,365
$ 200,000
$8,324,292
Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment:
Total Project Cost:
$1,297,000
$9,621,292
Funding:
Arkansas Natural and Cultural Resources Council Grants
Arkansas State Parks Funds
Amendment 75 (1/8 cent Conservation Tax)
Completion Date:
June, 2015
Architect:
The Borné Firm, PA., of Little Rock, AR
Architect’s Consultants:
Hanson and McLaughlin Engineering, Inc. of Little Rock, AR.
Petit and Petit Consulting Engineers, Inc. of Little Rock, AR.
Development Consultants, Inc. of Little Rock, AR.
General Contractor(s):
Wade Abernathy, Inc., of Mount Ida, AR
Nabholz Construction Services of Conway, AR.
Interior Furnishings Design:
Jake Limberg, Arkansas State Parks
FIRST FLOOR
↑
Meeting Room
Seating Capacity: 105-114
SECOND FLOOR
471 SF
408 SF
572 SF
379 SF