Historic mountain lodge restored to former glory while meeting modern standards

The challenge

Beyond the visible wear from decades of harsh mountain conditions, the Paradise Inn Annex required extensive upgrades to meet current building codes. The rehabilitation had to address foundation issues, outdated safety systems and poor energy efficiency without compromising the building's historic character. The aging facility struggled with a non-reinforced stone foundation, an inadequate site drainage system, deteriorating windows and siding, and moisture buildup issues that threatened both guest comfort and structural integrity. The National Park Service needed a solution that would protect this cherished landmark while ensuring its continued viability as a cornerstone of visitor experience at Mount Rainier.

The project's complexity was compounded by several unique factors: the new foundation had to replicate the historic stone appearance, the building's remote location limited access to materials and labor; the high altitude affected construction logistics and worker performance; and the brief seasonal construction window between heavy snowfalls demanded precise scheduling. Additionally, as the park's primary overnight accommodation, minimizing closure time was crucial for both visitor access and revenue generation. The team also needed to navigate strict preservation guidelines while implementing modern safety standards, requiring innovative solutions to merge historic aesthetics with contemporary building requirements.

Our response

GHD led a comprehensive rehabilitation strategy that balanced preservation with modernization through meticulous planning and innovative engineering solutions. Our team began by carefully documenting existing conditions and developing targeted solutions through interactive work sessions with the National Park Service. Understanding the economic importance of minimizing room closures, we created a strategic construction schedule that optimized the short building season while maintaining quality and safety standards. We specified which areas of Paradise Inn would remain open during construction: the lobby, dining room and select guestrooms.

The design preserved historic architectural elements by carefully removing and reinstalling original interior trim, wood moldings and windows. New finishes were selected for cohesiveness with previously renovated areas, replacing 1970s-era aesthetics with materials respecting the building's heritage. Our structural design incorporated sophisticated seismic upgrades that strengthened the building against both earthquakes and heavy snow loads without compromising its historic character. The new foundation has the historic stones reinstalled as a veneer.

The $22 million project delivered comprehensive improvements including foundation upgrades, structural bracing, enhanced site drainage systems and modernized building systems. We implemented energy-efficient lighting and improved insulation while carefully preserving the lodge's distinctive architectural features.

The impact

The revitalized Paradise Inn Annex now offers visitors a safe, comfortable and authentic historic lodge experience in Mount Rainier National Park. The rehabilitation ensures this beloved landmark will continue welcoming guests for generations while meeting modern safety and accessibility standards. Our careful attention to challenging requirements earned the project the 2020 American Council of Engineering Companies Washington Gold Award for Complexity. The successful completion within schedule and budget constraints, despite challenging site conditions, demonstrates GHD's ability to deliver complex historic preservation projects in remote locations with exceptional results. Through thoughtful design solutions and meticulous execution, we helped secure the future of this iconic property while enhancing its ability to serve park visitors and generate revenue for continued operations and maintenance. The project stands as a model for how historic properties can be sensitively modernized for continued use while preserving their essential character and cultural significance.