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Annual Reports: 2000: Initiatives
The projects comprise the largest undertaking of its
kind in Colonial Williamsburg’s history.
Colonial Williamsburg began extensive, multi-year construction
renovation projects in 2000 to enhance the Visitor Center
complex and two of Colonial Williamsburg’s five hotels,
the Williamsburg Woodlands(above) and Williamsburg Inn. The
projects comprise the largest undertaking of its kind in Colonial
Williamsburg’s history and among the largest capital
investments (in excess of $100 million) ever made in the Virginia
Tidewater region. The multiphase initiative is a carefully
coordinated response to the demands of today’s traveling
public and, when complete, will ensure that Colonial Williamsburg
facilities meet and exceed visitor and guest expectations
for decades to come.
The Visitor Center (left) is
Colonial Williamsburg’s “front door.” Renovation
of the Center, built in 1957, includes a 20,000-square-foot
addition designed to produce a superior welcome and orientation
experience for today’s travelers and offers substantially
increased retail space. The renovation project at the
Visitor Center complex includes construction of the new
300-room Woodlands Hotel & Suites, a modern, comfortable,
and reasonably priced facility for families and
conferences that will be complemented by a new family restaurant
to be named “Huzzah!”
Begun in August 2000 and scheduled for completion this fall,
renovation of the historic Williamsburg Inn stays true to
Colonial Williamsburg benefactor John D. Rockefeller, Jr.’s
vision when he opened the hotel in April 1937: to provide
the highest quality hospitality, recreational facilities,
and service to Colonial Williamsburg’s guests and visitors.
The exterior of the Inn has been preserved, but the interior
has undergone significant upgrades, including reducing the
previous ninety-five guest rooms to sixty-two, nearly the
same number as the original, and enlarging each room to create
the larger, more luxurious bedrooms and bathrooms most requested
by guests.
A member of the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s
Historic Hotels of America, and Preferred Hotels and Resorts
Worldwide, the Williamsburg Inn remains committed to world-class
service.
Additional facilities projects in 2000 included the planned
preservation of a number of Historic Area properties, including
the King’s Arms Tavern, Market Square Tavern, and the
Golden Ball, as well as renovation of the Golden Horseshoe
Green Course Clubhouse. The new clubhouse has quickly become
a popular eating spot for visitors and Williamsburg area residents.
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Historic Triangle