GREENSBORO, GA—The Ritz-Carlton Lodge, Reynolds Plantation will undergo a multimillion-dollar renovation of 15,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, 27,600 sq. ft. of spa space and an expansion of the outdoor pool deck.
Located on 30 acres of shoreline property on Georgia’s Lake Oconee, select resort areas will undergo a total transformation by hospitality interior design firm Design Duncan Miller. The project is expected to complete by the first quarter of 2015 and is the continuation of updates made to the resort’s guestrooms, cottages and Presidential House in 2013 and 2014.
Meeting space upgrades will include all indoor meeting and pre-function spaces. Lake-level space updates include six small meeting rooms (3,720 total sq. ft.) and 11,400 total sq. ft. of lobby-level space, including The Reynolds Ballroom (1,800 sq. ft.) and The Ritz-Carlton Ballroom (7,200 sq. ft). The improvements will focus on a fusion of function and aesthetics.
“By reviving the space with leafy greens, slate blues and hints of golden amber with warm orange tones, guests will experience color palettes reminiscent of the surrounding lakeside,” explained Megan Ybarra Haney, senior interior designer, Design Duncan Miller. “This will allow the resort to redefine the term ‘business meeting’ by blurring the lines of ‘business’ and ‘leisure.’”
Maintaining the integrity of the original design with its classic, historic detailing and balancing it with improved technologies, updated colors and textures is an important part of the reno, according to the hotel. For the most part, the existing millwork, architectural elements and light fixtures will remain; however the spaces will also feature modernized fabrics inspired by the Arts and Crafts era with a nod to Frank Lloyd Wright. For example, the meeting rooms and ballrooms will have a carpet pattern that pays homage to Wright’s famous stained glass window designs.
Spa level renovations will encompass the soft goods throughout and focus on updating the overall atmosphere by bringing the outdoor elements into the interior. The color palette was derived from amber and amethyst geodes with a blend of gold tones to the already existing space. Additions will include a men’s shave room in a classic barbershop style, 24-hour access fitness center, expanded women’s lounge and enlarged manicure and pedicure room.
The enhancements to the outdoor infinity pool will include a deck expansion offering 25% more seating, an updated sundeck with new lounge chairs, a renovated children’s pool complete with water features and also additional restrooms.