Closed Since 1932, The West
Baden Springs Hotel Reopens - the Crown
Jewel of the $382 million French
Lick Resort Casino Destination
Restoration Project
FRENCH
LICK, Ind., May 23, 2007 - The West Baden Springs Hotel, the Indiana landmark
once known as the "Eighth Wonder of the World," reopened this morning after
being closed to travelers since 1932. Today's celebration of the opening
of the West Baden Springs Hotel marks the complete renovation of the two
historic hotels at the French Lick Resort Casino destination. The French
Lick Springs Hotel reopened last October.
"The restored West Baden Springs Hotel represents
the best of what Indiana has to offer -- unique architecture, history and
beautiful scenery," said Indiana Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman. "The hotel will
provide thousands of jobs and spur economic growth in the surrounding communities."
Following this morning's ribbon-cutting ceremony
attended by invited guests and state dignitaries, the first official guest
was checked in -- Betty Oakley -- daughter of Doc Jones, the former West
Baden Springs Hotel gardener and current Historic Landmarks of Indiana
volunteer.
"The mineral spring waters and the beautifully
manicured gardens are what drew people naturally to the area," said Vice
President of Hospitality Jerry Gleason. "Doc Jones and his team were instrumental
in putting West Baden on the map as a health resort. We are honored that
his family is here today to be a part of the re-grand opening"
The West Baden Springs Hotel is the crown jewel
of the $382 million resort restoration project which began in earnest in
August 2005. It features what was once the world's largest free span dome,
soaring 110 feet above the atrium floor. Six circular stories containing
246 rooms -- including eight specialty suites, three historic suites decorated
with period furniture and a lavish Presidential Suite -- surround the atrium.
"Today is monumental in the history of French
Lick Resort Casino," said Chris Leininger, Chief Operating Officer. "With
the reopening of the historic West Baden Springs Hotel today, our resort
offerings truly represent the most unique resort destination in the Midwest."
Located less than a mile from the French Lick
Springs Hotel and French Lick Casino, the West Baden Springs Hotel offers
a two-level natatorium with dedicated spa, fine dining restaurant and five
retail outlets. The unique natatorium/spa features a 12,000-square-foot
indoor pool and 8,000-square-foot spa, including treatment rooms, relaxation
rooms and a state-of-the-art fitness center. West Baden hotel guests will
be able to take advantage of all of French Lick Resort Casino's amenities,
including the 42,000-square-foot casino, horseback riding, tennis, bowling
and more.
For golf enthusiasts, the resort features the
completely restored Donald Ross Course at French Lick, which hosted the
1924 PGA Championship where Walter Hagen was victorious, as well as the
forthcoming 18-hole championship Pete Dye Course slated to open in 2008.
The nine-hole Tom Bendelow Course at French Lick will open later this summer
to supplement the property's practice facilities. |