Dixville Notch, NH (April 10, 2008) � The BALSAMS, the
most celebrated grand resort hotel in New England, will undergo a comprehensive
restoration under the leadership of general manager Uwe Roggenthien, announced
Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts, the management company for
the property. The project is designed to retain the resort�s historic charm
while positioning it for future growth by upgrading accommodations and
creating more flexible function space for meetings and weddings. Roggenthien,
a veteran of the hospitality industry, is charged with overseeing the project.
Idyllically set on 15,000 acres in New Hampshire�s majestic White Mountains,
The BALSAMS is legendary for its breathtaking natural beauty, endless recreational
activities, and award-winning cuisine. One of the last remaining grand
resort hotels, it is considered a national treasure.
�The restoration was thoughtfully designed to preserve all the elements
that have endeared The BALSAMS to generations of guests and is already
well underway,� said Roggenthien. �When complete, the property will retain
its unique character while increasing its appeal for today�s leisure travelers
and as a destination for meetings, groups, and weddings.�
The first phase of the restoration encompassed 16,200 sq. ft. of space
and was completed in December 2007. JCJ Architecture was selected to lead
the project, which saw the complete restoration and interior redesign of
all common areas, social rooms and 7,200 sq. ft. of meeting space � including
the Grand Ballroom and historic Ballot Room. The increased functionality
achieved allows The BALSAMS to offer dedicated meeting space, private catering
with more options than before, and access to break out rooms.
The next phase of the project calls for the construction of a model
guestroom later this year followed by the restoration of 110 guestrooms
in the hotel�s Hampshire House wing. The BALSAMS has chosen TMS Architects
and LDL Architectural Design to oversee this phase of the restoration.
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| Step Back in Time at The BALSAMS Grand Resort Hotel
Rich with New Hampshire history, The BALSAMS Grand Resort Hotel first
opened just after the Civil War as the DIX HOUSE � a rustic and charming
25-room summer inn established by local innkeeper, George Parsons. The
original inn honored the name of the town�s founding father and first landowner,
Colonel Timothy Dix. A patriot of the American Revolution, Dix lost his
life in battle in 1812, at which point his attorney and business partner,
Daniel Webster, took over. Webster sponsored the town�s first settlers,
the Whittemore family. These hardy pioneers shared their hearth and home
with wayfarers on the old Coös Trail through Dixville Notch. Weary
travelers were refreshed by the Whittemore�s home-style hospitality, and
the generous family-style accommodation of overnight guests evolved naturally
into a more sophisticated destination resort.
In 1895, a wealthy Philadelphia inventor and industrialist by the name
of Henry S. Hale purchased the DIX HOUSE (where he had been a long-time
summer guest) and renamed it The BALSAMS. Hale�s creative spirit was prolific,
and he steadily expanded and enhanced the resort�s facilities and accommodations.
By 1918, Hale realized his final vision for The BALSAMS with the completion
of the Hampshire House � still known today as �the new wing.� This elegant
addition effectively doubled the resort�s space to the current capacity
of 400 guests.
The BALSAMS has been recognized by the National Trust for Historic Preservation
as one of America�s treasured historic hotels. Since 1866, the resort has
had only six owners.
First in the Nation - In 1952, New Hampshire first provided its
residents with the opportunity to vote in Presidential primaries. In these
early elections, many small towns around the state competed to get their
votes in first. But ever since Dixville Notch was granted the privilege
of being a voting community in 1960, it has continuously maintained the
honor of being �First in the Nation� to report its results of the Presidential
election.
In order to maintain this honorary status, every single registered voter
in Dixville Notch must turn out and vote. Just before midnight the day
before the election, these voters come to The BALSAMS and take a headcount
to ensure everyone is present. When the polls officially open at the strike
of midnight, each voter heads to a booth in the Ballot Room and casts his
or her vote. The entire process takes about a minute.
The Ballot Room - See for yourself the celebrated site in Dixville
Notch where the town�s first in the nation voters cast their ballots at
midnight. The walls of this historic room bear testimony with captioned
photographs and other displays of all the dignitaries and candidates who
have visited since 1960. |
ABOUT THE BALSAMS
Listed as the #1 resort for dining in The United States on Condé
Nast Traveler's 2007 Gold List, The BALSAMS Grand Resort Hotel is grand
in every sense of the word. This legendary, 15,000-acre four-star destination
boasts 202 individually decorated guestrooms and suites; four dining venues,
including the Dining Room renown for its sumptuous table d�hote culinary
presentations; over 10,000 sq. ft. of meeting and banquet space; and unparalleled
year-round recreation. Among the numerous amenities and activities available
to guests are golf, including an 18-hole championship Donald Ross designed
course; tennis; outdoor swimming pool; boating; fly fishing; miles of trails
for walking, hiking, mountain biking, nightly entertainment, and children�s
programs, including Camp Wind Whistle, a supervised program for children
ages 5 � 10+. The BALSAMS� famous �Ballot Room� serves as the polling place
for the nearly two dozen area residents who are the �first in the nation�
to report the results of their voting in national elections. Serving guests
since 1866, The BALSAMS is included in the National Register of Historic
Places. The BALSAMS is proud to be a part of Delaware North Companies Parks
& Resorts family; Delaware North Companies is one of the nation�s foremost
hospitality and entertainment veterans. For reservations and information
about The BALSAMS, call toll-free at (866) 380-6798 or visit www.thebalsams.com |
