ACME, Mich., August 22, 2012 --- The 900-acre Grand Traverse Resort and Spa near Traverse City, Mich. recently completed renovating all guest rooms in its original six-story Hotel, and completed several multi-year infrastructure projects.

Hotel Renovation
The renovation of 237 guest rooms in the Hotel included new carpet, bedding, furniture, 37-inch flat screen HD TVs, new telephones, iPod docking stations, installation of digital in-room HVAC controls, plus the addition of fire-suppression sprinklers in all guest rooms and service areas in the building, which opened in 1980 before comprehensive sprinkler systems were required by local codes.  In addition, the 21,015-square foot roof of the Hotel was re-roofed in a two-phase project with new flashing installed around the roof perimeter.

Multi-Year Infrastructure Projects
Grand Traverse Resort and Spa invested heavily in infrastructure and technology in several areas with upgrades that started in 2011 and were completed in 2012. The Resort’s main parking lot  for Tower and Hotel guest parking (432 parking spaces), and the service vehicle parking lot, were completely repaved with asphalt and new concrete curbs, as well as updated traffic routing and pedestrian sidewalks, landscaping, and the addition of a lighted shuttle/bus stop pavilion. The parking lot paving project was completed in two phases.

On the Resort’s iconic 17-story Tower, approximately 350 glass panels that make up the roof of Aerie Restaurant & Lounge were resealed and a new gutter system was installed on the roof. Also, in-room technology in the 186 Tower guest rooms was upgraded with new telephones and flat-screen high definition TVs.

Other Infrastructure Projects
Extensive technology and power upgrades were also put in place. Over three miles of new underground fiber-optic cable lines were installed by COLI, Inc. to the Clubhouse and to six condominium complexes connected by 26 optical switches. Over 250 fusion splices were needed to complete the project around the property to expand bandwidth to improve high speed Wi-Fi Internet access, and add 40 new access points.

Also, the Resort’s cable TV system is being upgraded to allow guests to view up to 65 high definition channels. In addition, Consumers Energy, one of two power providers to the Resort, replaced the over 30-year old main power cable to the Hotel.

Other significant upgrades in 2011 and 2012 include:

• The addition of  Dylan’s Candy Bar-Candy Café in the Gallery of Shops (a complement Dylan’s Candy Bar which opened in November 2010)
• Renovation of the Business Center/Cyber Café in partnership with NBS Commercial Interiors using a blend of contemporary furniture and design ideas from Steelcase, Inc.
• Purchase of new furniture for the Grand Lobby
• Installation of a new permanent restroom facility near the outdoor tennis courts and Plaza
• Purchase of two new Banquet Trucks each with a two-ton lift gate
• Purchase of new 14-Passenger Shuttle Bus and new 9-Passenger Shuttle Van  
• Miscellaneous Elevator Upgrades
• Purchase of miscellaneous new Golf Course and Grounds maintenance equipment
• Purchase of 32 sets of new Cobra golf clubs for rentals.
• Purchase of miscellaneous new furnishings, fixtures, and equipment throughout the Resort.

About Grand Traverse Resort and Spa
Located along Lake Michigan’s Grand Traverse Bay, the 900-acre property is “Michigan’s Premier Resort Experience” featuring nearly 600 rooms, suites and condominiums, full-service spa, shopping gallery, diverse restaurants and lounges, and year-round recreation.
86,500 square feet of meeting space distributed among 36 meeting rooms, plus outdoor venues, offers versatility for groups of 20 to 2000, and weddings.

The Resort boasts 54 holes of championship golf including The Bear - a Jack Nicklaus signature course, The Wolverine - a Gary Player signature course, plus Spruce Run by William Newcomb.  The new Golf Academy features six-time Michigan Open Champion Scott Hebert.

For more information about Grand Traverse Resort and Spa, and to make reservations, call 800-236-1577 or visit www.grandtraverseresort.com