A Business Group's Dream...

The Historic Stanley Hotel
Make no mistake about it - the new owners of the Historic Stanley Hotel are shrewd business people.  Their dream was to restore the aging Gregorian Colonial style hotel and make it a financial success.  In addition, the plan was to restore it to the grandeur and stature it enjoyed as early as 1909 when opened by F.O. Stanley.

The owners of the Stanley Hotel (The Grand Heritage Hotel Group) have selected T. W. Beck Architects for a number of the many important Stanley Hotel restoration projects - as well as a number of new business ventures on the property.

Thomas W. Beck, AIA was selected to design the outside and inside renovations for the historic CONCERT HALL (approx. 3,000 square feet), and the MANOR HOUSE.  In addition, the firm has been involved in the design of new projects (using existing older structures) such as a BEAUTY SALON & day SPA, a multi-configuration PRESIDENTIAL SUITE and a new EXECUTIVE OFFICE building.

The legacy of the beautiful Stanley Hotel is found in its many famous visitors from earlier decades - and it now routinely attracts many well-known (and well-traveled) stars.  Previous visitors have included Molly Brown, the Emperor and Empress of Japan, Gary Burghoff ('Radar' from the TV smash hit MASH), many movie stars, and Stephen King.  The Stanley Hotel inspired King to write the best-selling book (and later movie) The Shining. Other recent guests have included Jim Carey, Elliott Gould, Judy Collins, Bob Dylan, Amy Grant, and Jerry Seinfeld.

Music Hall	Presidential Suite - Front	Presidential Suite - Back

The Historic Stanley Hotel is one of the most impressive sights as one descends into the Estes Park Valley area. It is visible from several of the approaches into the city. Any additions, relocations or new structures must respect the ‘historic’ designation of the hotel itself, as well as contribute to the impressive views of this early 1900’s hotel.

The Stanley Hotel Presidential Suite remodel was a significant collaboration between the client, the architect and the many agencies that oversee the historic interests of the hotel and valley. Originally, the Presidential Suite building was located on a lower site near what is now a fast-food restaurant. When it was originally built, it was used as a gatehouse admitting and directing guests for the Stanley Hotel. 

Decades ago, this gatehouse was relocated to its present site, where it was set on an existing stone wall and a walkout basement was provided. For many years the building was used for storage, and then it began to be used as employee housing. It was in quite a deteriorated state when the project was envisioned to renovate and designate this as the new Presidential Suite for the Stanley Hotel. Because of the years of non-client use of this building, all wiring and plumbing had to be completely redone. The structure had no insulation and the interior was essentially gutted. 

When the client approached the architect, their concept goals for the Stanley Presidential Suite were as follows:

a.       To design a project that would respect the ‘look and feel’ of the existing Historic Stanley Hotel.

b.      To design a four-bedroom project that could be rented to groups such as wedding parties, family reunions or visiting dignitaries.

c.       In addition, if the entire building was not required for a single use, the upper and lower levels could be rented to separate parties and provide for separate entrances and security within.

As part of the design solutions, the architect also provided for many outside refurbishments such as site-complementary siding repairs, upper and lower level handicap access, a patio that would add an ambiance to the project and be photogenic in support of weddings and special events. In addition, a new deck was designed on the south side that was available to the master bedroom and living room of the suite. On the lower level, a new west-facing patio was designed with privacy fencing for the two downstairs bedrooms.  

One measure of client satisfaction is the usage and rentals made available from this new Presidential Suite. The project has been cited as an addition that even Mr. Stanley would have approved of and enjoyed.

A Ravaged Property...

Restoration & New Projects - Mary's Lake Lodge
What started as a temporary visitor lodge in a family home eventually became a successful business.  Opened in 1913, Mary's Lake Lodge (MLL) is located on the Eastern slope of the Rocky Mountains.  It offers panoramic views of Rocky Mountain National Park, the Continental Divide and idyllic Estes Valley area.  Now fully restored, the MLL offers elegance, modern amenities, a true 5 Star restaurant, a snack bar/cafe and facilities for weddings, parties and conferences.

While the Mary's Lake property is a thriving and growing hotel, conference and retreat center - it took the action of visionary new owners and the skills of the T. W. Beck Architects' firm to restore this historic property.  In fact, a fire destroyed more than half of the structure in 1978.  So the project was a combination of restoration based upon its valued historic status - but rebuilding to recover from the fire and other ravages of aging and neglect.

Thomas W. Beck, AIA was chosen to design the recovery and rebuilding of the fire-damaged portions of MLL - and then to design a modern kitchen, a SPA, major deck structures which provide beautiful settings for weddings and anniversary celebrations.  The architectural solutions designed by the architect allowed the lodge to undergo a complete restoration, including all new plumbing, heating and electrical systems.

Where possible, original fixtures such as wall hung sinks, and claw foot tubs were incorporated into the renovation.  The 1920's windows were re-glazed, refinished, and restored.  T. W. Beck designed 16 rooms and luxury suites.  most were designed to provide spectacular views.

Over the last couple of years, Mary's Lake Lodge has been totally restored to its original grandeur.  The popularity of the location the views and the ambiance of this lovely old property led to T. W. Beck Architects being selected to design completely new condominiums that are site-complementary to this historic property.  The new condominiums were 'run-away' best sellers - most being sold before construction was initiated or completed.