Ahwahnee Hotel
From Archiplanet
| Ahwahnee Hotel | |
| Designer | Underwood, Gilbert Stanley |
| Location | Yosemite National Park, California, USA |
| Date | 1927 |
| Building Type | Housing |
| Construction System | Concrete, Granite, Slate, Log, Glass |
| Architectural Style | Rustic |
| Street Address | Yosemite Valley |
| Notes |
Contents |
[edit] Images
[edit] Discussion
| National Register of Historic Places | |
| Name | Ahwahnee Hotel |
| ID Number | 77000149 |
| NRHP Status | Listed In The National Register |
| Certification Date | 02/15/1977 |
| Level of Significance | National |
[edit] Construction
The Ahwahnee Hotel was designed by architect Gilbert Stanley Underwood, who also designed the Zion Lodge, Bryce Canyon Lodge, and Grand Canyon North Rim Lodge, with interior design directed by Dr. Phyllis Ackerman and Professor Arthur Upham Pope. The site for the Hotel is below the Royal Arches rock formation in a meadow area that had served in the past as a village for the native Miwoks, who formerly lived in the Valley, and a stables complex known as Kenneyville. The site was chosen for its views of many of the iconic sights in Yosemite, including Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and Glacier Point, and its exposure to the sun allowing for natural heating.
The Hotel is constructed of 5,000 tons (4,535 t) of rough-cut granite, 1,000 tons (907 t) of steel, and 30,000 feet (9,140 m) of timber. The 'wood siding' and 'structural timber' on the exterior of the Hotel is actually formed of stained concrete poured into molds to simulate a wood pattern. Concrete was chosen as the material for the outside 'wood' elements to add fire resistance to the Hotel. Construction lasted 11 months and had a cost of US$1,225,000 upon completion in July 1927.
[edit] History
Just before opening, the director noticed that the Porte-cochere planned for the west side of the building, where the Indian room now sits, would cause exhaust fumes from automobiles to invade the premises and a hastily desinged Douglas Fir pole Porte-cochere entry and parking area was erected on the East side of the hotel. The logs were replaced in the 1990s.
Almost immediately after opening, the next of many alterations were made to the Hotel. In 1928, a roof garden and dance hall were converted into a private apartment after the dance hall failed to draw an audience. It was found that the load bearing trusses in the dining room were barely adequate to support the snow load on the roof and potential earthquake stresses. This led to the trusses being reinforced in 1931-32.
When the Prohibition was rescinded in 1933, a private dining room was converted into the "El Dorado Diggins" bar, themed to the California Gold Rush period.
1943 saw the United States Navy take over the Hotel for use as a convalescent hospital. Some of the changes made to the Hotel by the Navy were repainting of the interior, conversion of chauffer and maid rooms into guest rooms and enclosure of the original porte-cochere.
The 1950s, 60s and 70s brought modernizations to the Hotel including fire escapes, a fire alarm system, smoke detectors and a sprinkler system along with the outdoor swimming pool and automatic elevators.
2003-2004 saw a major roof overhaul, where virtually the entire slate-tile roof, and copper gutter system was replaced. The project cost approximately 4 million US dollars, and is especially noted for its 97% material recycling rate.
[edit] Maps
[edit] References
- National Register of Historic Places
- The Ahwahnee History - accessed 7 July, 2006
- The Ahwahnee Hotel - accessed 7 July, 2006
[edit] External Links
- The Ahwahnee (NPS)
- Ahwahnee, The - National Landmark Program
- The Ahwahnee - Concessionaire site
- Yosemite National Park
Categories: Buildings | Buildings in USA | Buildings in California, USA | Buildings in Yosemite National Park, California, USA | National Register of Historic Places | National Register of Historic Places in California, USA | National Register of Historic Places in Yosemite National Park, California, USA
