The brand-new Four Points Lodge was part of an innovative concept for Steamboat: a relatively small on-mountain lodge with an exceptionally tiny servery, yet designed and run efficiently enough to handle the traffic of a much larger facility.
3DS worked closely with the client and with local architect, Kohler Design, to create an inviting, contemporary space that also runs like a well-tuned machine. Steamboat’s own food and beverage team developed a menu with a slight upscale tilt – all very fresh, with lots of organics and a “marketplace feel”. Quality, at every turn. 3DS created a package of major decor features – impressive six foot chandeliers echo the days of the grand national park lodges, presiding over an array of wall sconces, bar lights and other specialty lighting. A large, weather-beaten iron & wood plaque answers the eternal question, “How did Steamboat Springs get its name?” The touch that quickly became a local must-see is our favourite; a 24-foot-long concrete bar top, with a graphic of continuous, embedded steel, detailing the history of the Steamboat skier’s peculiar trademark, the cowboy hat. The result exceeded all expectations.
Thunderhead Lodge is the upper terminus of the Gondola and houses several facilities. 3DS was asked to remodel the largest one of them; the upper floor bar, restaurant and banquet hall. 3DS drew on the historic town of Steamboat itself for the feel and image of the main servery and dining room. Architectural details and historic signage from the resort’s “cowboy skier” heritage became inspiration for the decor, with its custom copper hoods and kiosk signs. Navajo horse blanket patterns were adapted to tiled walls. A magnificent western cowboy bar was installed, starting the visitor’s entrance with a major “wow”.