OMNI BEDFORD SPRINGS RESORT HONORED BY THE NATIONAL TRUST FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION

BEDFORD, PA (October 26, 2009) -- The historic Omni Bedford Springs Resort & Spa has been recognized for its restoration with a Preservation Honor Award from the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The project was one of 23 award winners honored by the National Trust during its 2009 National Preservation Conference in Nashville, TN.

“We could not be more proud of this accomplishment,” said Scott Stuckey, general manager of the Omni Bedford Springs Resort. “The Preservation Honor Award is a testament to the resort’s absolute commitment to revitalize of one of the country’s most historic destinations.” 

Richard Moe, president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation said, “After two decades of tireless, monumental efforts to save it, the Omni Bedford Springs Resort is once again one of America’s finest historic destinations, a perfect blend of past and present. In addition to the obvious benefits to travelers, the rehabilitation of Bedford Springs has spurred job creation, additional tax revenues and public works projects. The project is a ‘win-win’ for the community and for discerning travelers.” 

Located in the Allegheny Mountains of south central Pennsylvania, the Omni Bedford Springs, a member of Historic Hotels of America®, has beckoned visitors for more than two centuries. Established circa 1796, the resort grew from a collection of simple bathhouses positioned to take advantage of seven natural springs to one of the nation’s premier mid-19th century resort spas. The main building developed from a collection of 11 stone and frame buildings that date from 1826. The original buildings included the Classical Revival-style Pool Building, constructed to house spa treatment rooms and one of America’s first indoor, spring-fed swimming pools. By the end of the 19th century, the grounds featured springhouses, pavilions and footbridges along the “Serpentine Trail” which linked the springs and a golf course added in 1895. Civil War generals, captains of industry and 11 U.S. presidents were all frequent visitors, and President James Buchanan claimed the resort as his summer White House. 

Hard hit by the Depression, Bedford Springs returned to national prominence during WWII as a Naval radio training facility. The resort then resumed guest operations, but years of deferred maintenance and poor management helped secure the hotel’s fate, and it closed in 1986 after a flood further devastated the property. After developer Bedford Resort Partners, Ltd. embarked on an ambitious and meticulous three-year, $120 million renovation project, which included the rehabilitation of the historic hotel buildings, golf course, footbridge and pavilion and the addition of a new hotel and spa wing, the resort re-opened in 2007. Today, stacked porches, the hotel’s signature architectural feature, overlook expansive grounds that have regained their original lushness, while expertly recreated historic interiors welcome visitors, and the indoor swimming pool sparkles again. 

Along with Bedford Resort Partners, Ltd., co-recipients honored for restoration of the Omni Bedford Springs Resort are: The Ferchill Group; Corgan Associates; Sandvick Architects, Inc.; 3North; Reynolds Construction Management, Inc.; Forse Design; and Frontier Construction Company. 

The National Preservation Awards are bestowed on distinguished individuals, nonprofit organizations, public agencies and corporations whose skill and determination have given new meaning to their communities through preservation of our architectural and cultural heritage. These efforts include citizen attempts to save and maintain important landmarks; companies and craftsmen whose work restores the richness of the past; the vision of public officials who support preservation projects and legislation in their communities; and educators and journalists who help Americans understand the value of preservation. The winners of the National Preservation Awards will appear in the November/December issue of Preservation Magazine and online at PreservationNation.org/awards. 

Download high resolution images of this year’s National Preservation Award