General Project Information

It’s a very exciting time for the YMCA of the Rockies Estes Park Center as we embark on a core development renovation that will provide:

 
  • 2 new family reunion cabins (summer 2008)
  • 3 new family cabins (summer 2008)
  • A new conference center (summer 2009)
  • 3 new lodges (1 summer 2009, 2 summer 2010)
  • Improved staff housing (fall 2009)
  • Renovation of the Ruesch exterior and dining space (summer 2010)
 
SUMMER 2008 GUESTS PLEASE NOTE
  • Construction in the core development area will all but cease from May 29 to August 15, 2008.   Minimal construction in the summer of ‘08 may exist under the Longhouse, and a service road will be used to access this area.
  • The new lodges and conference center will be located directly behind the Ruesch Auditorium where some staff housing and YMCA staff centers were located. No new land is being used or developed on for this project.

BENEFITS TO FAMILIES

  • We often need to turn down requests for the 8-bedroom reunion cabins. By adding 2 more this summer, we double our ability to serve guests in these facilities.
  • 3 new cabins on new cabin sites will be ready for occupancy this summer, helping members and non-members receive their desired accommodations.
  • The new lodge rooms will be set up with 2 queen beds and will have beautiful indoor and outdoor gathering areas.
  • An improved Ruesch exterior will provide immense deck space with gorgeous views. 
 BENEFITS TO CONFERENCES
  • The project is designed to host conferences and retreats in a central location with more meeting spaces.  The conference center will be located behind the Ruesch Auditorium for easy access to meals and large meetings.
  • Rooms in the new lodges will have 2 queen beds, which is a more desired make-up for adult and family conferences. The East Side lodges will continue to have bunk beds, more ideal for youth groups.
  • 2 new 8-bedroom cabins will help reunions have the “under one roof” experience.
OTHER FACTS 
  • 26 buildings on grounds, including lodges, cabins and a laundry facility, were moved or leveled to make room for the renovation, so no new land will need to be developed.
  • Environmental sustainability is a top priority of the project, and certain steps have been taken to honor this commitment: use of high-efficiency fluorescent lighting, the preservation of trees and efficient construction practices that save construction materials and create less waste.
  • Also, developers will build a central boiler plant rather than having a boiler in each building, which should allow the center to reduce its energy use by 30 percent. 
     The new buildings’ architecture will reflect building styles from 100 years ago by adding rustic accents.  
  • The project fits into the YMCA’s site master plan that was developed in February 2007.
  • The master plan will improve the guest experience at the Estes Park Centerand with pedestrian trails and pathways.
  • The master plan allows us to make our center much more pedestrian friendly and American Disabilities Act accessible.
  • Neenan Archistruction of Fort Collins, Denver and Glenwood Springs will serve as contractor on the project, RLH Engineering Inc. of Windsor will serve as project manager and BHA Design Inc. of Fort Collins is the site and landscape architect.