Sedona Main Street Program nominates
Matterhorn Inn for Arizona Main Street 2009 Best Large Scale Renovation
Project. This project involved the outdoor living and play spaces that
are adjacent to the entrance of the hotel.
Ralph and Shelley Woellmer purchased the
oldest hotel in Sedona hotel in 1979. They embarked on an annual
renovation schedule. As outdoor living spaces have increasingly made a
mark on personal lives recently, outdoor living has made its mark on
Matterhorn Inn.
“Before”, the Inn’s exterior pool area
was a concrete slab around a pool and two 1955 wood buildings for pool
equipment, chemicals, machinery and extra misc. storage. These
buildings were built in the easiest access location for the past owners
and staff, which blocked the infamous red rock views. And let’s not
forget the chain link fence that encompassed the entire area.
In an effort to meet the needs of the
Inn’s clientele, Matterhorn began a three month journey to transform this hard and cold space into
a relaxing and recreational living space for its guests to savor. The
two wood buildings were removed and replaced with one territorial stucco
structure in a new location, not interfering with nature (red rock
views) or guests. It accommodates all the pool equipment and new “state
of the art” solar water heating systems for the pool and spa. That
system has had a very dramatic effect on decreasing electrical and
natural gas usage.
They added a new outdoor “jacuzzi” spa
tub, a gas outdoor fireplace, lounging areas, and covered and uncovered
seating in the additional 500 square feet created by rearranging the
space and the new surrounding fence that is congruent with the rest of
the Inn. The new pool building, house like, has a porch to provide shade
for guests and places for pieces of art to hang. This new space has been
used for guest brunches and parties too.
The entrance to the outdoor living area
features stone pavers flanked by dramatic columns that match the details
on the new pool building. The entire approach to this area is enhanced
by “water-wise” yet colorful plants intermixed with pieces of
sculptures. Matterhorn has made an effort to showcase art of all mediums
in all public spaces of the property (inside & out), and this outdoor
living area is no exception. Now, the Sedona Red Rock views are
showcased from all outdoor living and recreational spaces for each and
every guest.
Ralph and Shelley attest to the marvels
of having high efficiency equipment that makes beautiful and spacious
outdoor living spaces affordable and cost effective while reducing their
energy footprint on the world. Loyal and repeat guests are thrilled with
the new additions made for their enjoyment.
This $300,000 renovation was completed in
approximately 3 months. The benefits of this beautification project have
been: reduced energy use and lower energy costs, increased visual appeal
and improved façade in the Main Street District, and converting new
customers into repeat customers. For all these reasons, we proudly
nominate Matterhorn Inn for Arizona’s Best Large Scale Renovation for
2009.
View Photos - download pdf file below
2009/azms2009awards/Matterhorn photos.pdf
