3. SKAMANIA LODGE
Location: North Pacific Province
Stevenson, Washington,
Columbia River Gorge
National Scenic Area
Project Type: Lodge and Conference Center
Year Completed: 1993
Budget: Construction- $24.5 million
• Forest Service: $5 million
• Skamania County: $5 million
• John Gray (developer):
$14.5 million
Project Team: Ankrom Moisan, Architects
Walker Macy,
Landscape Architects
Welborn Reimann Assoc.,
Engineers
Forest Service technical
assistance, review
Project Description: The lodge includes a
12,000-square-foot conference center, a Forest
Service information center, 195 guest rooms,
a restaurant, and an 18-hole golf course. It is
connected to the city of Stevenson by hiking
and biking trails. The project was made possible
by a Forest Service grant through the Columbia
River Gorge National Scenic Area.
Project Planning: The architect defined the
Cascadian theme by researching regionally
historic lodges, cabins, and Forest Service
buildings. This theme was illustrated in a design
document used for environmental planning,
marketing, financial decisionmaking, and
establishing public acceptance and support.
The planning stages described energy efficiency,
use of recycled materials, and site restoration
objectives as an integral part of the program.
The site had been a sanitary landfill, which
was transformed into a wildflower meadow adjacent
to the lodge. Environmental documents identified
community economic enhancement and flora and
fauna protection as important project aspects.
Design/Implementation: The Cascadian theme
was carried out through building massing, steep
roof slopes, heavy timber, extensive use of natural
finished wood, rock walls, and muted green and
brown earth tone colors. While very large, the
building blends into the site. Regional artwork
with naturalistic themes is used extensively
throughout the building. Grand landscape views
are focused outward from the building. Exterior
walls are simulated board and batten and cedar
shingles. The roof is architectural-grade heavytextured
asphalt shingles.
Native plants, wildlife habitat, and wetlands
were protected, restored, and enhanced with
the site development. Native plants also are
used extensively in landscaping. Parking is
screened from entry roads and main highways.
Recycled building materials include 200-year-old
wood flooring and 100-year-old large timber
columns from a closed salmon cannery.
Fluorescent lights are used throughout the
lodge, including guest rooms, saving more than
$11,000 annually. Rock came from local quarries
or the site itself. Local woodworkers made much
of the furniture. Rugs and upholstery were
custom made in the Northwest.
Use: Energy objectives and building and landscape
design themes have been maintained through the
facility operation.
Evaluation and Modification: While the facility
has been very successful, minor internal and
external modifications have been undertaken.
These modifications have adhered to the original
design theme.