Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center in Aurora, Colo., is undergoing a $22 million exterior enhancement project. Scheduled to be complete in January 2023, the project showcases a new arrival experience, a new games lawn, enhancements to the Grand Lodge lawn and the addition of terraces to Old Hickory Steakhouse and Mountain Pass Sports Bar. The project also features more than 1,500 native and adaptive trees, 40,000 shrubs, ground covers, perennials and five acres of low-water-use native grass mixes. Nashville real estate investment trust Ryman Hospitality Properties, which owns the 1,501-room resort, envisioned this work, and is funding this project.
“The enhancements will layer in a richness to the resort and create a more genuine lodge experience for our guests,” GM Suzy Hart said in a statement. “While we are focused on the exterior enhancements and the new dining terraces in 2022, there are plans for future development of the 130 acres that surround the resort. We are currently in the design phase on what those 130 acres will look like, but it will complement the community and the resort with retail, dining, entertainment venues, and open spaces that bring people together.”
Guests will experience an elevated arrival experience featuring clusters of mature pine trees and drought resistant native plants and shrubs lining the entry drive. In front of the main entrance, a 9,000-square-foot turf lawn will feature custom benches where guests can sit and watch the sun rise.
The Grand Lodge Lawn will have a large freestanding double-fireplace structure, with two 9-foot-wide hearths and resort-style seating spaces. The event lawn will also have a 10,000-square-foot artificial turf area, four fire pits and two natural boulder fire features. Adjacent to the Grand Lodge lawn will be a games lawn featuring artificial turf, family-friendly games such as bocce ball, corn hole and giant chess, as well as three fire pits where guests can roast s’mores.
The Old Hickory Steakhouse Terrace will add an additional 96 seats to the restaurant. An elegant fireplace with an 8-foot-wide hearth will provide added warmth to the 2,600 square foot space. The Mountain Pass Terrace will seat 108 guests and will feature a massive double-sided fireplace featuring a 10-foot-wide hearth where guests can gather and enjoy views of Pikes Peak, Longs Peak and Mount Evans.
“Gaylord Hotels are known for their exceptional facilities including spectacularly designed environments, spacious indoor and outdoor gathering areas, and creative food and beverage concepts and we believe this is the perfect time to enhance what the hotel already has to offer,” said Colin Reed, chairman and CEO of Ryman Hospitality Properties. “These current enhancements, combined with future development of the resort and surrounding area, will position Gaylord Rockies as a true leader in the market for both leisure and group travel."