The Mount Washington Hotel, a New Hampshire landmark since 1902, has entered a new phase of its storied life and the future is looking bright. After experiencing a series of ownership changes - through the 1990's, the Resort was purchased by Celebration Associates and CNL Income Properties, Inc. in 2006. Under the leadership of the new Resort President, Patrick Corso, a grand vision for the future of the "Grand Dame" is beginning to unfold. There are many significant renovations and enhancements taking place over the next few years, and beyond, culminating in the creation of a premier destination resort for northern New England and a welcome boost for the North Country economy.
The transformation effort began when was all the resort facilities and properties were re-branded under the new "Mount Washington Resort" name. Extensive renovation of the 900-foot wrap-around Veranda, Great Hall and Dining Room, totaling $2 million, was completed this past May. An Adventure Desk in the Great Hall was added as part of this project, offering advice and planning for each guest to create customized itineraries. A 25,000 square-foot state-of-the-art spa is currently under construction, and in response to the growing demand for meeting space at the resort, an additional 15,000 square feet of meeting space is being built, bringing total designated meeting space at the Resort to 30,000 square feet. The conference center has been designed to host meetings of any size from the most intimate to 1,000-attendee events. "Our goal is to build on the solid foundation which was established by the previous owners of Bretton Woods and The Mount Washington Hotel," commented Patrick Corso. According to Corso, the landscape architecture decisions made last winter are geared toward creating the best possible guest experience; and the new building is designed to complement the existing structures, while preserving the legendary views from the South Veranda. Both the 25,000 square foot, full-service spa and salon, and a total of 30,000 square feet of meeting space is slated for completion in early 2009."
Construction is well underway on the Mount Washington Golf Course, originally designed by Donald Ross in 1915. Under the direction of Brian Silva, the course is being restored to the specifications of the original plans. The restored golf course will be ready for play during the summer of 2008. Also under the guidance of Brian Silva, The Mount Pleasant Course will be renovated and expanded to a full 18-hole course. Construction is scheduled to begin this spring with the intention to have the project completed in 2010.
A unique feature of the grand vision and master plan for the future of Mount Washington Resort is a proposed pedestrian village at the base of Bretton Woods ski area, complete with a variety of shopping, dining, lodging, and recreational options with construction expected to begin in the next couple of years, and spanning the next decade. Surrounding the ski area, plans also include the proposed development of approximately 1,000 new homes and homesites, with the first offerings expected to become available during 2008. The vision incorporates New England historic architectural precedents, as well as "green" design, balancing development progress with natural resource preservation. Plans also include the creation of not-for-profit community foundation that will focus on supporting local community efforts including educational, environmental, civic, and cultural events and initiatives. Mount Washington Resort has demonstrated its commitment to the local community by contributing $250,000 to the Old Man of the Mountain Legacy Fund, hosting various fundraisers for the North Country Boys and Girls Club, managing The Giving Tree (for local charities), among other things. To date, over $100 Million has been invested in the overall project, at least 30 new jobs have been created, and at least 150 contractors and consultants have been retained (mostly regionally based). The development team continues a collaborative approach in working with local, state and federal environmental agencies.
The original Mount Washington Hotel was built by New Hampshire native Joseph Stickney, who made his fortune in coal mining and with the Pennsylvania Railroad. He spared no expense in building his beloved hotel, an elaborate example of Spanish Renaissance Revival architecture and the embodiment of new technology, including state-of-the art electricity with its own power plant. The most lavish hotel of its time, The Mount Washington Hotel catered to wealthy guests, celebrities and three U.S. Presidents. In 1944, the Hotel hosted the International Monetary Fund, which established the gold standard and designated the United States dollar as the backbone of international exchange. In 1986, the Mount Washington Hotel and Bretton Arms Inn, originally the Stickneys' home while the Hotel was under construction, were designated National Historic Landmarks.
Set at the base of the stunning 6,288-foot Mount Washington and surrounded by nearly 800,000 acres of the White Mountain National Forest, The Mount Washington Resort is a four-season vacation destination for all ages. As it stands today, Mount Washington Resort includes The Mount Washington Hotel; the Bretton Arms Inn, a restored Victorian Inn built in 1896; The Lodge, ideally suited to family vacations; and The Townhomes, fully furnished two to five bedroom accommodations with full kitchens and fireplaces. The Resort offers seasonal activities such as golf, tennis, horseback riding and fly fishing during the summer; alpine and Nordic skiing, snowboarding, ice climbing, snow tubing, sleigh rides and hiking trails during the winter.
Certainly, this is a new era for Mount Washington Resort, with these exciting changes, and for the State of New Hampshire. Mount Washington Resort is sure to attract visitors from near and far to our lovely state to visit this timeless, yet new, world class Resort. Congratulations to the management and development team for undertaking this grand project and with an eye toward local, regional, and statewide economic development as well.
For more information, please visit thier website at www.mountwashingtonhotel.com.
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