Saturday, November 9, 2024
Home Colorado CO Places Longtime Glenwood Springs Attractions Rejoining Forces

Longtime Glenwood Springs Attractions Rejoining Forces

By M+E Staff

Two of Glenwood Springs’ most iconic properties will be under the same ownership again after a 70-year hiatus if a purchase agreement goes through as planned in early 2017. Walter Devereux opened Glenwood Hot Springs in 1888, followed by Hotel Colorado across the street in 1893.

Over the years, the properties were sold off individually, but then they rejoined under one umbrella from 1937 to 1946. Since 1946, Hotel Colorado has operated independently with numerous proprietors and was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1977. The transaction is a work in process with the current owners who purchased Hotel Colorado in 1989 and plans for extensive renovations, remodeling and upgrades are in pre-development stages.

Reuniting the two properties makes a lot of sense not only based on their rich history and close proximity but also for expanding lodging capacity for both and providing Glenwood Hot Springs with meeting and event space. It seems like a win-win in terms of attracting a broader range of groups and to serve these groups with one contact point instead of two.

“Hotel Colorado is an icon in the western United States and we are thrilled to reconnect it with Glenwood Hot Springs. We fully intend to preserve the character and integrity of the property,” says Glenwood Hot Springs CEO and President Kjell Mitchell. “These two places are historically significant and we plan to uphold their legacy.”

Mitchell also brings history to the resort, celebrating 40 years of working for Glenwood Hot Springs in a variety of positions and steadily climbing the ladder from a summer job of bellman to his current role as CEO and president. In 1976, he was hired full time as a desk clerk and night auditor and soon after was promoted to lodge manager. In 1989, he was appointed general manager and later expanded the organization’s operations to include Spa of the Rockies and spearheaded major renovations to the stone bathhouse and the Lodge. Most people would consider retiring after 40 years, but Mitchell says he’s all in”for continuing to help steer the future direction of Glenwood Hot Springs.

MOST POPULAR

Rise to the Top

Hotel Nikko Lauded

A Sweet Toffee Dream