The historic Old Faithful Inn, which has been undergoing major renovations that delayed its opening this summer tourist season, opened its doors Monday to guests.
Built in 1903-04, the Old Faithful Inn has received substantial improvements, including seismic structure work, electrical and plumbing.
Peter Galindo, project manager and engineer, said work on the inn is now about two-thirds completed.
"This work brings it up to current standards with seismic safety (and) electrical," he said. "It means it will be around for another 100 years."
The Old Faithful Inn was designed by architect Robert Reamer, who designed the building to blend in with the natural environment of Yellowstone National Park.
Perhaps the most recognizable feature of the inn is its lobby, which is open to four stories of rooms with a stone fireplace at its center.
Recently, the building began to show its age with cracking wood and deteriorating windows, according to the National Park Service. Floors were extensively worn by heavy foot traffic, and historic fabrics needed to be cleaned.
Mechanical and electrical systems were old, and some were not up to current code requirements. New steel components are being fitted in the logs for seismic safety.
The dining room, which will be open to visitors Monday, had a roof that was "seriously sagging," according to a National Park Service report, because of snow loads and inadequate log trusses.
The current renovation began in September 2004, and construction is expected to be completed in 2008. Total restoration costs are $21.36 million.
The Old Faithful Inn will close this year on Oct. 11.
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Information from: Star-Tribune, http://www.casperstartribune.net
