Ahwahnee_HSR_1.2011_pgs_135-174.pdf

Physical DescriptionARCHITECTURAL RESOURCES GROUP

Histor ic Structures Report

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Floor, Walls, and Ceiling Floors were originally random-length oak planks. Walls were wood paneled or gypsum fi nished. Th e walls between bedrooms and bathrooms were of vertical-wood paneling with a semi-transparent grey stain. Wall paneling did not have trim. Guest room interiors were rectangular spaces with fl at ceilings. Decorative painted fi nishes

– stencils of abstract birds, insects and fl owers – were painted at the top of guest room walls. Rooms 723 and 721 were embellished with wood-panel friezes.

Openings and Doors Doors were vertical-panel, tongue-and-groove wood. Th e doors between the bedroom and bathroom typically had decorative, wrought-iron strap hinges.

Lighting Th e rooms had wall sconces.

Special Features Th e two Cottage rooms designed as living rooms (now 714 and 719) had fi replaces with stone mantels placed fl ush with the wall surface on which they were located and hearths.

Current Description Guest Cottages retain the original historic use and continue to provide guest accommodation.

Floor, Walls, and Ceiling Th e fl oors are carpeted. Bathroom fl oors are covered with non-historic hexagonal tiles.

Cottage guest rooms retain the historic wood-paneled and gypsum-fi nished walls. Th e gypsum board walls typically retain historic stencils at the tops of the walls. Rooms 723 and 721 retain the original wood-panel friezes.

Th e walls between bedrooms and bathrooms are typically historic, and they are covered with vertical-wood paneling with a semi-

Figure 244: Cottage living room, c. 1950s. (Source: Yosemite National Park Research Library)

Figure 245: Overall view of Cottage living room, 2009. (Source: David Wakely for ARG) transparent grey stain. Wall paneling does not have trim. Th e bathrooms have gypsum-board walls and non-historic 3x6 white tile wainscot topped with a decorative trim tile with a tile base at the tubs.

Ceilings are fl at, painted gypsum board. Guest rooms 714 and 719 were originally designed as living rooms and have pitched gypsum-board ceilings with exposed beams and wood raft ers with chamfered edges.

Openings and Doors Th e interior doors are typically vertical-panel wood doors. Some of the doors are single-thickness tongue-and-groove wood. Other non-historic doors have wood paneling added to both sides of them in order to achieve the same appearance. Th e doors between the bedroom and bathroom typically have decorative wrought-iron strap hinges. Th e doors to the mechanical closets have wood grilles in them. Th e doors at bathrooms have been painted white, and the rest of the doors are typically stained to match the wood wall paneling.

Th e strap hinges generally appear to be historic. A limited amount of historic hardware, such as knobs, remains.

Lighting Some light fi xtures are replacements, and they are located in ceiling fans. Other light fi xtures located in each of the bedrooms include two wall-mounted lights. Th e bathroom lights are ceiling-mounted domes as well as wall sconces that have chrome trim and frosted-glass shades.

Special Features Th e fi replaces in guest rooms 714 and 719 retain the original cast-stone mantel, mounted fl ush with the wall, and hearth.

Th e bedrooms are heated with recessed electrical wall heaters. Some Cottages are equipped with wall-mounted air conditioners.

ARCHITECTURAL RESOURCES GROUPPhysical Description

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Summary of Changes Th e overall guest room confi gurations remain relatively unchanged;

the exceptions are two of the four-plex Cottages where the original living rooms were converted to guest rooms, resulting in fi ve-plex Cottages. When the living rooms were converted to guest rooms, the kitchens were remodeled as bathrooms.

As previously noted, all hotel guest rooms have been remodeled and modifi ed at various times. Th e Cottage interiors were redecorated in 1967, 1989, and 1995. Th e Cottage interiors were most recently altered in 2007 when previously remodeled bathrooms were again modifi ed, and guest room fi nishes and furnishings were upgraded.

During the summer of 2009, split-system HVAC units were added to the Cottages. HVAC units are wall-mounted.

Th e historic wall sconces have been removed from the wood-paneled walls.

Transformer House (Maintenance Building) Located at the northern perimeter of the grouping of Cottages is the single-story, gabled Maintenance Building.

Like the Cottages, this small-scale utilitarian building dates to 1928 and was designed by Ted Spencer. Today it still retains some of its original function as a transformer house. It is square in plan and has lapped, wood siding. Th e interior has gypsum board fi nishes and industrial type light fi xtures.

Figure 246: Overall view of typical Cottage bedroom, 2010. (Source: ARG)

Figure 247: Overall view of Cottage Maintenance Building, 2010. (Source: ARG)

Physical DescriptionARCHITECTURAL RESOURCES GROUP

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January 2011

Cooks and Supply Building (Employee Dormitory)

Historic Overview Th is simple utilitarian structure was constructed in 1943 as the Warehouse and Cooks’ Quarters Building (also called the Cooks and Supply Building) for use by the U.S. Navy as a warehouse and sleeping quarters for Kitchen staff . Th is ancillary building was built as a support structure for the US. Naval Convalescent Hospital located at Th e Ahwahnee. Th e architect for the Cooks and Supply Building was the San Francisco-based fi rm of Blanchard and Maher. Aft er military use, the building was moved to its current location south of the main parking area.

In 1946 it was converted to employee housing under the direction of architect Ted Spencer. Modifi cations to the exterior were minimal.

Th e interior was reconfi gured to create a double-loaded central corridor requiring the installation of interior walls and doors. Aft er the building was converted to housing, it was initially used as a women’s dormitory. It now houses couples as well as singles. Later, a small men’s restroom and a men’s shower room were added.

Exterior Description Rectangular in plan, this single-story, wood-framed structure has horizontal wood siding with an asphalt shingle roof. Th e original doors were of wood. Th e double-hung, wood-framed windows were sometimes painted.

At present the windows are single-hung aluminum replacements.

Exterior doors are hollow metal. Interior doors are solid wood. Two doors are located on the north wall side, with a single door on the west wall. Each door opens onto a small wood deck and stairs. Th e main door has a ramp built over the stair. Th e wood-framed structure is supported on concrete pier footings. A project is underway to improve the foundation of the building.

Figure 248: Historical exterior view of Cooks and Supply Building, now the Employee Dormitory, 1943.

(Source: Th e U.S. Navy Seabee Museum, YOSE06)

Figure 249a: Exterior view of the Employee Dormitory, 2010. (Source: ARG)

Figure 249c: Historical view of Cooks and Supply Building, now the Employee Dormitory, 1943.

(Source: Th e U.S. Navy Seabee Museum, YOSE07)

Figure 249b: Interior view of central hallway, 2009. (Source: ARG)

Interior Description A double-loaded central corridor extending almost the entire length of the building divides the building in half lengthwise. Rooms for employees fl ank both sides of the corridor. Th e interior walls are made of 4x8 sheets of plywood with 2x4 wood vertical and horizontal battens on both sides. All walls have quarter-round trim at the intersection of the wall and ceiling and at the interior corners. Th e ceilings are plywood, without battens. Th e fl oors, also of plywood, are covered with carpet in most rooms, and vinyl fl ooring in the bathrooms, kitchen and laundry room. A section of fl ooring near a shower room is of an open grid rubber of tiles placed directly over a plywood deck. Th e base trim is fl at 2x4, which sometimes is topped with a quarter round trim. Tenants have added shelving on an ad hoc basis.

ARCHITECTURAL RESOURCES GROUPPhysical Description

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Signifi cance Evaluation of the Hotel by AreaARCHITECTURAL RESOURCES GROUP

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SIGNIFICANCE EVALUATION OF THE

HOTEL BY AREA

Th is section explains the signifi cance ratings for Th e Ahwahnee’s exterior and interior spaces and features as related to the hotel’s overall historic context and character. For a historic resource to retain its signifi cance, its character-defi ning features and spaces must be kept to the greatest extent possible. An understanding of a building’s character-defi ning features is a crucial step in developing a rehabilitation plan that incorporates appropriate levels of restoration, rehabilitation, maintenance, and protection. Management and treatment approaches may vary based on the relative level of importance of spaces. Th is section defi nes signifi cance ratings and contains color-coded fl oor plans identifying areas by hierarchical importance.

Methodology in Determining Significance Ratings Defi ning and assigning signifi cance ratings to the interior and exterior requires consideration of multiple factors: amount of original historic fabric, quality of materials and fi nishes, extent of prior modifi cation, levels of integrity, and expression of original design intent.

Intrinsic to the hotel building type is the separation of grand public areas, private guest rooms, and back-of-house or guest support spaces. Th e interior layout of Th e Ahwahnee and its circulation is complex. Public, private, and back-of-house spaces, existing side by side on every fl oor, were designed to control circulation and to limit or direct guest access. Th e original design concept separated Th e Ahwahnee’s spaces based on function and resulted in varying quality of materials and fi nishes depending on the public’s access to a particular space. In spaces that were off limits to guests, materials and fi nishes may have been less focused on architectural or artistic expression, but they were carefully selected for their durability or effi ciency in utilitarian areas.

Significance Evaluation of the H otel by A rea

Th e Ahwahnee’s nearly continuous use as a hotel has meant that most spaces retain their original functions. Levels of both material integrity and original design intent are high. Spaces and character-defi ning features continue to convey the hotel’s historic contexts to varying degrees. Th e Ahwahnee’s signifi cance ratings fall into the following fi ve categories: Very Signifi cant, Signifi cant, Contributing, Historic Utilitarian, and Non-Historic.

Very Signifi cant areas, spaces, elements, and features are the major components of interior areas or the exterior that exemplify the essence of the building’s design and the reason for its signifi cance.

Th ey are essential to establishing the character of Th e Ahwahnee.

Considered the hotel’s most historically or architecturally important elements, these features must be retained. Examples of Very Signifi cant areas include the principal public rooms, such as the Great Lounge and Dining Room, and all main building exteriors.

Signifi cant areas enhance the understanding of the overall character and importance of the hotel, its original design and historic contexts, yet they may be ancillary or support Very Signifi cant spaces.

Signifi cant areas may also include spaces that otherwise would be categorized as Very Signifi cant but their modifi cation over time has diminished their integrity. Th e Sweet Shop is one example of such a space. Alteration within these spaces may be necessary in the future to accommodate programmatic or building system requirements;

however, change to these areas should be minimized. Other examples of Signifi cant areas include the East and West Loggias, the Gift Shop, the upper fl oor corridors, and all Cottage exteriors.

Contributing areas add to the overall understanding of the building. Original spaces and features that have been modifi ed, to a greater extent than Signifi cant spaces yet retain their character, are Contributing. Spaces altered aft er the period of signifi cance, but of historic or architectural importance, could also be considered Contributing. Th e Ahwahnee Bar is one space to which the designation of “Contributing” is assigned. Th is category would also include spaces of lower importance relative to the understanding of the hotel’s historic context, particularly those not necessarily designed for guest access, strictly utilitarian spaces. Alteration or removal of these features, if necessary, may be considered in an eff ort to meet future programmatic or building system requirements, but such changes could impact the integrity of the building. Proposed changes should be minimized to reduce their eff ect on historic spatial relationships and materials. Removal should be minimized if possible. Other examples of Contributing areas include the Kitchen and typical guest rooms which have been minimally altered.

Historic Utilitarian areas are of historic importance and contribute to the hotel’s character in a diff erent manner than the hotel’s grand public spaces. Historic Utilitarian areas may provide context associated with behind-the-scenes operation of the hotel, staff use, or guest support. Th ey include utilitarian, back-of-house areas such as the Basement, attics, storage spaces, offi ces and other work areas.

Th ese areas may contain original historic materials and fi nishes.

Because of limited public exposure, these areas may be more appropriate for accommodating some level of change than public spaces of the hotel. However, modifi cation in these areas should preserve historic materials and existing spatial relationships to the maximum extent possible.

Non-Historic areas include spaces extensively altered aft er the period of signifi cance or later additions that do not contribute to the historic character of the hotel. Generally, these areas can be modifi ed.

In many cases, the overall character of the hotel may be improved through alteration, redesign, or removal of non-historic areas or features. Alteration of these areas should be undertaken when the goal is to protect or enhance the overall historic character of the building. Examples of Non-Historic areas include the Diggins Suite, the passenger elevator, the south and east wing exit stairs, and the Maintenance Shops.

ARCHITECTURAL RESOURCES GROUPSignifi cance Evaluation of the Hotel by Area

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TUDOR

LOUNGE

NORTH MEZZANINE

LOUNGE

HOUSE

KEEPING

TRESIDDER

ROOM

COLONIAL

ROOM

CORRIDOR

MEN’S

LOCKER

ROOM

KITCHEN

MEZZANINE

WOMEN’S

LOCKER

ROOM

GREAT

LOUNGE

BELOW*

SOLARIUM

BELOW*

DINING

ROOM

BELOW*

KITCHEN

BELOW*

SIGNIFICANT

CONTRIBUTING

HISTORIC UTILITARIAN

NON-HISTORIC

VERY SIGNIFICANT

N

F I R ST F L O OR

GREAT

LOUNGE

UNDER

LOUNGE

ELEVATOR

LOBBY

SOLARIUM

SOUTH

TERRACE

MURAL

ROOM

WINTER

CLUB ROOM

WEST

LOGGIA

EAST

LOGGIA

WEST TERRACE

DINING ROOM

REGISTRATION LOBBY

EAST TERRACE

SWEET SHOP

MECH

BLDG

SERVICE YARDKITCHEN

M

AI

N

TE

NA

N

CE

SH

O

PS

GIFT SHOP

AHWAHNEE

BAR

EN

TR

Y W

AL

KW

AY

PORTE

COCHERE

G ROU N D F L O OR

*See Ground Floor for signifi cance levels of spaces open to below.

Wall of Entry Walkway/ rear wall of Maintenance Shop is rated Signifi cant.

Granite piers in Ahwahnee Bar are rated Very Signifi cant.

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SIGNIFICANT

CONTRIBUTING

HISTORIC UTILITARIAN

NON-HISTORIC

VERY SIGNIFICANT

N

PRESIDENTIAL

SUITE PARLOR

ELEVATOR LOBBY

CORRIDOR

SE C OND FLO OR

ELEVATOR LOBBY

CO

RR

ID

O

R

PARLOR

T H I R D F L O OR

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ELEVATOR

LOBBY

SIGNIFICANT

CONTRIBUTING

HISTORIC UTILITARIAN

NON-HISTORIC

VERY SIGNIFICANT

N

F I F T H F L O OR

ELEVATOR LOBBY

CO

RR

ID

O

R

F OU RT H F L O OR

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LIBRARY

SUN PORCH

ELEVATOR

LOBBY

SI XT H FLO OR

SIGNIFICANT

CONTRIBUTING

HISTORIC UTILITARIAN

NON-HISTORIC

VERY SIGNIFICANT

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711/718

710/717

714/719

712/715

713/716

700/702/ 704/706/

701/703/ 705/707/

R E P R E SE N TAT I V E

C OT TAG E

FLO OR PL ANS

Duplex Cottage (5)

Four-plex Cottage (1)

Five-plex Cottage (2)

C OT TAG E

KEY PL AN

SIGNIFICANT

CONTRIBUTING

HISTORIC UTILITARIAN

NON-HISTORIC

VERY SIGNIFICANT

Character-Defi ning FeaturesARCHITECTURAL RESOURCES GROUP

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C HA R AC T E R- DE F I N I NG F E AT U R E S

Th is section lists the character-defi ning features of Th e Ahwahnee. A character-defi ning feature is an aspect of a building’s design, construction, or detail that is representative of the building’s function, type, or architectural style. Character-defi ning elements include the overall shape of the building, its materials, craft smanship, decorative details, interior spaces and features, as well as the various aspects of its site and environment.1 Generally, character-defi ning features date to a property’s period of signifi cance. For a historic resource to retain signifi cance, its character-defi ning features must be retained to the greatest extent possible. An understanding of a building’s character-defi ning features is a crucial step in developing a rehabilitation plan that incorporates an appropriate level of restoration, rehabilitation, maintenance, and protection.

Th is section identifi es the exterior and interior character-defi ning features of Th e Ahwahnee main hotel building, Cottages, and ancillary structures.

Within Th e Ahwahnee’s signifi cant spaces there may exist non-historic individual elements, such as the Service Bar in Th e Ahwahnee Dining Room. Conversely, within altered and modifi ed spaces, there remain elements of historic importance, such as those that exist in the Ahwahnee Bar. Th is is especially true in the public spaces on the ground fl oor. On the upper fl oors, guest rooms retain their original confi guration and many character-defi ning features.

As movable objects, the historic furnishings cannot be considered character-defi ning features of the hotel building itself. However, they do contribute to the historic character of Th e Ahwahnee. See Th e Ahwahnee Historic Furnishings Report for more information on historic furnishings and furniture.

Th e character-defi ning features are grouped as follows: main building exterior; main building interior; Cottages, and ancillary buildings.

1 Lee H. Nelson, Architectural Character: Identifying the Visual Aspects of Historic Buildings As an Aid to Preserving Th eir Character. Preservation briefs, 17 (Washington, D.C.: U.S. Dept. of the Interior, National Park Service, Preservation Assistance Division, 1988).

Character-Defining Features at Main Building

Exterior Features and Elements

• Y-shaped plan with splayed wings

• Cruciform shape of the south wing

• Distinctive stepped massing

• Siting within the Great Meadow

• Axial orientation

• Alignment with designed scenic vistas

• Granite masonry piers and chimneys

• Porte Cochere

• Covered entrance walkway

• Loggias

• Terraces

• Cantilevered and recessed balconies (excluding fi rst fl oor balcony at rooms 104 and 105 and balcony at room 605)

• Series of moderately sloped roof forms and variety of roof types, including gabled roof at Dining Room wing, hipped roofs, and shed roofs

• Fenestration patterns

Exterior Materials

• Granite masonry

• Stained reinforced concrete walls

• Log and wood wall siding

• Peeled log and wood construction at Dining Room, Porte

Cochere and covered entrance walkway

• Vermont slate roofi ng

• Concrete raft er tails2

• Log and wood wall with painted decorative patterns between covered entrance walkway and Service Yard

• Wood-framed window walls in public areas

• Stained glass windows

• Leaded windows at sixth fl oor

• Steel casement windows at Service Yard

2 Th e concrete raft er tails were repaired with fi ber reinforced composite in 1977. Th ese replacement pieces were cast from the original raft er tails and they convey the intent of the original design.

• Wood hopper windows

• Wood shutters

• Exterior wood stile and rail doors (lower panel of wood and upper panel glazed)

• Solid wood doors at service areas

• Multi-light transoms of fi xed sash

• Stamped and stained concrete slabs at loggias and terraces

• Concrete decks at balconies

• Peeled log balcony railings (altered)

• Log and wood fence at north side of Service Yard

• Awnings

• Ornamental light fi xtures

C haracter-D efining Features

Figure 250: Detail view of fourth and fi ft h fl oor balconies, 2009. (Source: ARG)

Figure 251: Detail view of the granite piers at the Solarium, 2009.

(Source: ARG)

ARCHITECTURAL RESOURCES GROUPCharacter-Defi ning Features

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Character-Defining Interior Features

General

• Separation of spaces based on function with public spaces on ground fl oor and guest rooms on upper fl oors

• Separation of public spaces and service areas on all fl oors

• Plan and volume of public rooms

• Framed views and visual connections to the exterior through window walls

• Vertical plank service doors

• Recessed wood-framed fi re hose cabinets throughout

• Access doors at base of walls in corridors

• Central vacuum system baseboard outlets throughout building

Registration Lobby

• Stained concrete fl oors with decorative scored patterns

• Inlaid rubber tile patterns and borders

• Textured plaster walls, columns, and ceiling

• Stenciled decorative band on walls and columns

• Decorative wood wainscot and trim

• Stained wood reception counter (altered)

• Stained wood walls in current Assistant Manager’s Offi ce

(altered)

• Cashier’s Counter wrought-iron grilles (now relocated to doors to

Assistant Manager’s Offi ce)

• Former Cashier’s Counter, including carved, stained, and painted screen and transaction ledge

• Former Coat Check Room window with decorative wood panel

• Inglenook with built-in bench in hallway

• Drinking fountain in hallway with jasper stone surround

• Wrought-iron pendant light fi xtures and wall sconces

• Cast-iron steam radiators

• Clock behind front desk

• Doors and windows to the Ahwahnee Bar (original doors between the Registration Lobby and the fi rst-designed Porte Cochere)

• Wood-framed, glazed double doors to Gift Shop

• Lintel detail over Gift Shop door and service hallway opening

• Stenciled wood-paneled service window and counter in hallway

• Light fi xtures

Original Porte Cochere (Ahwahnee Bar)

• Rectangular footprint and volume of original Porte Cochere

• Exposed granite piers

• Wood windows and doors to Registration Lobby

• Original door hardware

Sweet Shop

• Plaster walls

• Painted plaster ceiling with beams (stencils are non-contributing)

• Wood door and window trim

• Exterior glazed double doors and transoms

• Original, historic door hardware

• Decorative wood wainscot and trim

• Original wood casework

• Pendant light fi xtures (one missing)

• Wall sconces (four missing, three located in other areas of building)

Gift Shop

• Plaster walls and ceiling with beams (stencils are non-historic)

• Glazed door (and window wall) on east wall

• Divided-light transom windows on west wall

• Light fi xtures

• Doors

Elevator Lobby

• Stained concrete fl oors scored in a geometric pattern

• Painted plaster walls, piers, ceiling, and beams

• Stenciled patterns on beams on north wall

• Stained, painted, and carved wood elevator surround

• Service elevator door

• Fireplace with jasper stone surround, brick fi rebox, cast-stone hearth, and wood mantel

• Painted mural over fi replace

• Wrought-iron pendant light fi xtures and wall sconces (one wall sconce now located in Registration Lobby)

• Concrete stair to mezzanine with stamped concrete landing and iron railings

• Jasper stonework around stair to mezzanine

Figure 252: Detail view of the Registration Lobby rubber fl oor tiles, 2009.

(Source: ARG)

Figure 253: View of recessed bench and drinking fountain at Registration Lobby hallway, 2009. (Source: ARG)

Figure 254: Detail view of clock at registration desk, 2009. (Source: ARG)

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Art Gallery (Hallway/Storage)

• Scored, stained concrete fl oor (altered – now painted)

• Wood vertical plank door fl anked by two inoperable wood panels at south wall

• Transom over door to back-of-house areas at north wall (altered

– painted)

Great Lounge

• Oak strip fl ooring with accent strips at 12 inches on center

(replacement-in-kind)

• Carved wood balustrade at wall openings to North Mezzanine

Lounge

• Wood walls and windows at Tudor Lounge

• Plaster walls, piers, ceiling, and beams

• Wood baseboard

• Stencils on ceiling beams (many missing)

• Stained wood doors and windows

• Stained wood wainscot

• Stained glass windows

• Fireplace with cast-stone surround and hearth, brick fi re box, and wood mantel

• Wrought-iron pendant fi xtures

• Cast-iron steam radiators

South Lounge (Under Lounge)

• Stained, scored concrete fl oors

• Textured plaster walls, ceilings, and beams

• Vertical panel wood door to storage room

• Painted wood baseboard

• Fireplace with cast-stone surround and hearth, brick fi re box and wood mantel

• Wrought-iron pendant light fi xtures and wall sconces

California Room (Winter Club Room)

• Scored, stained concrete fl oors

• Textured plaster walls, ceiling, and beams

• Faux-wood painting on beams

• Wood door and window trim

• Corner fi replace with cast-stone surround and hearth, brick fi re box and wood mantel

• Wrought-iron pendant light fi xture and wall sconces (altered)

• Cast-iron steam radiator and wood case

Writing Room (Mural Room)

• Stained oak fl ooring

• Textured plaster ceiling and beams

• Faux-wood painting on beams

• Cast-stone and brick fi replace with copper hood

• Mural on upper half of north wall

• Redwood textured wall paneling

• Brass pendant light fi xture

• Cast-iron steam radiator and wood case

Solarium

• Scored, stained concrete fl oor (replacement-in-kind)

• Textured plaster walls, piers, ceiling, and beams

• Textured wood doors and windows with large panes of glass

• Textured wood wainscot below windows

• Wrought-iron pendant light fi xtures and wall sconces

• Cast-iron steam radiators

• Fountain, rear wall, basin, low wall, all of jasper stone

• Wood railing at mezzanine

• Semi-circular shape of room

• Southern exposure of room

Dining Room

• Stained concrete fl ooring, scored in geometric patterns

• Granite piers and columns

• Sugar pine log trusses and pilasters

• Large glass areas on south wall

• Celotex acoustical panels set into the ceiling and all walls

• Wrought-iron pendant light fi xtures and wall sconces

• Wood doors and windows

• Wood grille on north wall

• Carved wood grilles with panel backing at mezzanine level on east wall Figure 257: Detail view of the Winter Club Room fi replace, 2009. (Source: ARG)

Figure 256: Detail view of the Under Lounge fi replace, 2009. (Source: ARG)

Figure 255: Detail view of original Sweet Shop pendant light fi xture, 2009. (Source:

ARG)

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• Plaster walls on north wall and at east end

• Plaster ceilings at east end

• Wood wainscoting at north and east walls

• Wood radiator covers below windows

• Beams faux-painted to resemble wood at edge of mezzanine

• Alcove at west end of room

• Pitched ceiling above exposed log trusses and purlins

Ancillary Dining Room Spaces

• Exposed, painted concrete floor

• Exposed, unfinished concrete floor in Cold Storage area

• Plaster walls and ceilings in offices and Coat Check Room

• Wood baseboard in offices

• Wood vertical plank doors at the offices and storage room

• Wrought-iron pendant light fixture and sconce in Coat Check Room

• Board and batten casework at west end of Coat Check Room

Barber Shop (General Manager’s Office and Executive Assistant’s Office)

• Plaster walls and ceilings

• Wood trim

• Vertical panel wood door

• Wrought-iron pendant

Men’s Room

• Plaster walls and ceilings

• Wood vertical panel door

Kitchen Wing

• Wood refrigerator and freezer doors

• Wood-framed doors along west wall

• Plaster walls and ceilings

• Large, two-story double-height space

• Divided-light clerestory windows along east and west wall

South Mezzanine Lounge (Tudor Lounge)

• Plaster ceiling with plaster beams

• Concrete and brick fi replace (altered)

• Ornamental light fi xtures

• Operable windows into Great Lounge

• Wood railings at openings to Solarium

Card Room No. 2 (Colonial Room)

• Plaster walls

• Plaster ceiling with beams

• Wood doors and window trim

• Brick and wood corner fi replace with tile hearth (altered)

• Ornamental light fi xtures (altered, moved)

Card Room No. 1 (Tresidder Room)

• Painted plaster walls

• Painted plaster ceiling with beams

• Wood door and window trim

• Concrete and wood corner fi replace (altered)

• Ornamental light fi xtures

Women’s Lounge (North Mezzanine Lounge)

• Scored, stained concrete fl oor

• Painted plaster walls and ceilings

• Faux-painting to resemble wood on plaster beams

• Symmetrical arrangement of room in east-west direction

(altered)

• Wood railings to Great Lounge (altered)

• Stencils at elevator doors (possibly original)

Private Dining Room (Diggins Suite)

• Plaster walls at the perimeter

• Wood baseboard

• Wood stile and rail doors

• Wall sconce in hallway (originally located in Sweet Shop)

• Cylindrical wrought-iron pendant light fixture in hallway

(possibly not in original historic location)

Figure 258: Detail view of the Solarium fountain, 2009. (Source: ARG)

Figure 259: Overall view of the Tudor Lounge, 2009. (Source: ARG)

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Beauty Parlor (Room 117)

• Plaster walls at the perimeter

• Plaster ceilings

• Carved wood stile and rail door at east wall

Women’s Check Room (Accessible Unisex Restroom)

• Painted plaster walls

• Wood stile and rail door (altered)

Women’s Room

• White octagonal floor tiles in janitor’s closet

• Painted plaster walls and ceilings

• Wood stile and rail doors

Projection Room (Business Center)

• Painter plaster walls and ceilings

• Wood stile and rail door

Manager’s Office and Secretary’s Office (Room 116)

• Plaster walls at perimeter and ceilings

• Wood stile and rail door from North Mezzanine Lounge

• Wood stile and rail closet door

First through Fifth Floor Elevator Lobbies and Corridors

• Plaster walls

• Plaster ceilings with plaster beams

• Wood baseboards and door trim

• Stencils at elevators (altered)

• Stencils at ceiling beams (altered)

Guest Rooms in Main Building

• General organization of rooms with bath and closet

• Stencils at top of walls (altered)

• Wood room doors and brass hardware

• Transoms over room doors with stenciled patterns

• Plaster walls and ceilings

• Wood baseboard, window and door trim

• Squared wall cabinets with doors, Tyrolean style (altered)

Second and Third Floor Parlors (Rooms 234 and 334)

• Vestibules between parlors and adjacent rooms

• Wood room doors and brass hardware

• Decorative wood wainscot, painted

• Fireplaces

• Plaster walls and ceilings

• Wood baseboard, window and door trim

• Ceiling hung light fi xtures

• Wall sconces in vestibules

Sixth Floor Sun Porch (Room 603)

• Operable glazed walls on south and west walls

• Log railing outside operable walls (altered)

Tresidder Suite (Library, Room 602)

• Leaded glass windows in wood frames

• Wood paneling and trim

• Built-in wood bookcases

• Concrete fi replace

• Pitched plaster ceiling with beams (damaged and hidden from view above current ceiling)

Other Sixth Floor Guest Rooms

• Leaded glass windows in wood frames

• Pitched plaster ceiling with beams (damage and above current ceiling)

Storage Areas

• Painted concrete fl oors

• Painted plaster walls and ceilings

• Wood baseboards

• Wood doors

Figure 261: View of wall paneling in former Library, now room 602, 2009. (Source:

ARG)

Figure 262: Detail view of dumbwaiter in Basement, 2009. (Source: ARG)

Figure 260: Detail view of light fi xture in the North Mezzanine Lounge, 2009.

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Maids and Janitors Closets (Linen Closets)

• Exposed, unfinished concrete floors

• Plaster walls and ceilings (some ceilings altered)

• Wood stile and rail doors

• Utilitarian light fixtures (altered)

• Service sinks

Service Hallways

• Painted concrete floors with integral concrete bases (most areas)

• Plaster walls and ceilings

• Wood stile and rail doors (some areas)

• Utilitarian light fixtures in service elevator lobbies

• Wood crash rails

Housekeeping Spaces

• Wood baseboard

• Wood doors and windows

• Built-in wood counters and shelves

Employee Locker Rooms

• Concrete stairs and floors with integral concrete base

• Plaster walls and ceiling (altered in toilet rooms)

• Wood stile and rails doors (altered)

Basement

• Unpainted concrete fl oor

• Board-formed concrete walls and ceilings (painted)

• Wood stile and rail door (possibly original)

• Dumbwaiter

• Painted sign to Basement and Boiler Room

Elevator Penthouse

• Fiberboard fl oors and walls

• Concrete fl oor and walls

• Elevator hoisting equipment

Maintenance Shops

• Concrete and wood floors

• Wood framing

• Wood posts and corbels

The Ahwahnee Cottages Exterior

• Gabled roof forms

• Concrete foundations

• Vertical and horizontal wood siding

• Wood doors and frames (modifi ed)

• Stenciling at door surrounds

• Painted decorative wood signs at gable ends

• Stone chimneys

• Wood shake roofi ng

• Notched raft er ends

• Wood grilles at gable ends

• Stained wood trim at top of wall and soffi t

• Projecting windows

• Stained wood trim at projecting windows

• Concrete patio fl oors

• Wooded and semi-secluded setting

Interior - Guest Rooms

• Light-colored wood paneling and paneled doors

• Gypsum board walls and ceilings

• Deep projecting windows

• Connecting doors to adjacent rooms

• Wood fl oors (now covered with carpet)

Interior - Bathrooms

• Dressing areas separate from bath and toilet rooms

Interior - Living Rooms

• Stone fi replaces

• Light fi xtures

• Exposed roof framing with decorative ridge beam

• Light-colored wood paneling and paneled doors

• Wall of glazed wood-framed doors

Transformer House (Maintenance Building)

• Wood siding

• Concrete fl oor

• Gypsum board walls and ceilings

• Industrial light fi xture

Cooks and Supply Building (Employee Dormitory)

Exterior3

• Wood siding

• Asphalt shingle roof

• Wood stairs

• Long, narrow form of building

• Single gable roof form

• Exterior wood ladders

Interior

• Long narrow double loaded hallway

• Plywood ceilings

• Plywood and wood batten walls

3 Th e Employee Dormitory is not designated as contributing but is important for its association with the naval hospital. Th ese are the character-defi ning features associated with its historic importance.

Evaluation of IntegrityARCHITECTURAL RESOURCES GROUP

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EVALUATION OF INTEGRITY

Integrity is the ability of a property to convey its historic signifi cance.

Integrity involves seven aspects: location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling and association.1 Th ese aspects closely relate to the resource’s signifi cance and should be primarily intact for designation. Depending on the signifi cance criterion, some aspects of integrity are more critical to conveying the building’s historic signifi cance.

A property that is signifi cant for architectural merit must retain the historic elements that characterize the type, period, or method of construction that the property represents. Retention of design, workmanship, and materials is usually more important than location, setting, feeling, and association when determining integrity. Location and setting are important for properties whose design is a refl ection of their immediate environment.

Th e following integrity evaluation applies to Th e Ahwahnee, the hotel’s main building and Cottages. Th e Employee Dormitory is evaluated separately. Th e table that follows this evaluation provides a summary of integrity of specifi c elements and spaces within Th e Ahwahnee.

Location Location is the place where the historic property was constructed or the place where the historic event occurred. Th e main building and Cottages retain their original siting. Th e Ahwahnee retains a high level of integrity of location.

Design Design is the combination of elements that create the form, plan, space, structure, and style of a property. Between 1924 and 1929 Underwood designed lodges or hotels for six other National Parks.

1 Patrick W. Andrus and Rebecca H. Shrimpton, How to Apply the National Register Criteria for Evaluation (Washington, D.C.: U.S. Department of the Interior, 1994).

Before Th e Ahwahnee, Underwood had previously designed other successful park hotels in the rustic style for the Grand Canyon North Rim Lodge, Bryce Canyon Lodge, and Zion Lodge. Compared to these hotels, Th e Ahwahnee represents a more complex design in terms of plan confi guration, stepped massing, variety of intersecting roof forms, and use of indigenous materials on the exterior. All these original design features remain intact at Th e Ahwahnee, and it retains a high degree of design integrity.

Designed by architect Ted Spencer and completed in 1928, the Cottages were historically used for guest accommodation and continue to do so with relatively minimal change. Th e design and historic character of Th e Ahwahnee Cottages tends toward the residential, considering the single-story forms, use of patios, and general low-slung quality. Th e Cottages contrast to the main building in scale and in simplicity of plan and form. Both the main building and Cottages retain a high level of design integrity.

Setting Setting is the physical environment of a historic property, constituting topographic features, vegetation, man-made features, and relationships between buildings or open space. Located on a 35-acre site at the east end of Yosemite Valley, Th e Ahwahnee sits at the base of the Royal Arches just north of the Wild and Scenic Merced River in a setting that remains largely unchanged. Th e building’s immediate siting and relationship of the principal facade to the Great Meadow largely defi nes the setting. Although there have been changes to the immediate site due to maturation of vegetation, the resulting alteration in perception, to and from the building, and the relationship of the building to the Great Meadow is still clearly conveyed. Integrity with regard to setting remains high. See Th e Ahwahnee Cultural Landscape Report for further discussion of the setting.

Materials Materials are the physical elements that were combined or deposited during a particular period of time and in a particular pattern or confi guration to form a historic property. Th e Ahwahnee’s primary building materials are steel, rough-cut granite at the piers and chimneys, innovatively used stained concrete to achieve the appearance of wood, log and wood siding, and wood-framed window walls. Th e steel frame construction and other materials were chosen for fi reproof considerations. Th e exterior materials were extremely durable and of the highest quality. Over time, windows, roofs, balcony paving, raft er tails and beam ends have been replaced. Th e materials of the Porte Cochere and covered entrance walkway have been entirely replaced in-kind. Material integrity at the main building has been somewhat diminished by these modifi cations, but not to the degree to jeopardize the hotels’ overall historic character.

Also constructed with high-quality materials, the Cottages retain their original stone chimneys, vertical board and horizontal lapped wood siding, trim, and historic signs. Windows, exterior doors, except those to the patios, and patio paving are replacements. Th e Cottages have a medium to high degree of material integrity. Overall, Th e Ahwahnee retains a medium to high degree of material integrity.

Workmanship Workmanship is the physical evidence of the craft s of a particular culture, people, or artisan during any given period in history or pre-history. Th e relatively good condition of exterior materials is due to their high quality, and also to the quality of the original workmanship and techniques, many of which are no longer part of common construction practice. Th is is true at the main building and the Cottages. Th e overall integrity of the workmanship remains high.

Feeling Feeling is a property’s expression of the aesthetic or historical sense of a particular period of time. Th e quality of feeling of Th e Ahwahnee has been diminished by material modifi cations stated above, especially the window replacements of the 1970s. Despite changes, the hotel’s setting is such that it retains much of the original feeling of a 1927 luxury hotel. Overall, Th e Ahwahnee has a high level of integrity of feeling.

Evaluation of Integrity

ARCHITECTURAL RESOURCES GROUPEvaluation of Integrity

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Association Association is the direct link between an important historic event or person and a historic property. Because Th e Ahwahnee retains its original use, many aspects of its original design, exterior and interior, its historical associations remain strong. It is associated with the development of National Park Service concessions and the National Park Service visitorship to Yosemite National Park. It is also associated with individuals such as, Stephen Mather, members of the Curry family, the architect Gilbert Stanley Underwood, and other designers. Th e Ahwahnee as a whole retains a high level of integrity of association.

Summary of Integrity Except for during the military period, Th e Ahwahnee’s nearly continuous use as a hotel has meant that most spaces retain their original functions. Th e Cottages were historically used for guest accommodation and continue to do so with relatively minimal change. Most changes have been in response to trends in the hospitality industry or to replace deteriorated and worn materials.

In terms of volume, massing, materials and original design intent, the building is intact. Weighing all aspects together, Th e Ahwahnee retains high integrity. No aspect is totally lacking. While some aspects have been diminished over time, it is not to the degree that the overall integrity is insuffi cient to convey its signifi cance.

Integrity of the Cooks and Supply Building (Employee Dormitory) Th e Employee Dormitory was constructed outside the period of signifi cance. It does not contribute to nor detract from the integrity of Th e Ahwahnee. Th e Employee Dormitory may possess some historic importance for its association with the military period; however, its historic signifi cance has not been established. An detailed integrity evaluation of the Employee Dormitory may be of value at a future date, if it is found to be historically signifi cant.

Th e Employee Dormitory has been moved a short distance from its original location to an area adjacent to the parking lot. Its integrity of location is minimally diminished due to its proximity to its original site. As an ancillary building, the Employee Dormitory’s setting was, and remains, defi ned by that of Th e Ahwahnee, and the relationship between the two buildings did not signifi cantly change when the Employee Dormitory was moved. Th e Employee Dormitory retains integrity of setting. As a simple utilitarian building constructed without high design values, the Employee Dormitory retains its original massing, footprint and expression and a fairly high degree of design integrity. It has been altered by the replacement of windows, doors and porches on the exterior and the replacement of lighting and fl ooring in the interior. Th us, integrity of materials and workmanship has been diminished. Due to its architectural expression, integrity of feeling is largely retained. Th ough its use as housing for Navy cooks and a storeroom has changed slightly in its current use as employee accommodations, the Employee Dormitory retains its association as a building with support functions for Th e Ahwahnee. Th e Employee Dormitory retains high levels of integrity of feeling and association. Overall, the Employee Dormitory retains medium to high levels of integrity.

Evaluation of Integrity by Space and Element A matrix that addresses integrity for the spaces and elements of Th e Ahwahnee buildings follows. Th is table is provided as a general guide to restoration of these elements and spaces with regard to integrity. Due to the complex nature of Th e Ahwahnee, levels of signifi cance, integrity and conditions have been assigned to exterior elements and interior spaces as refl ected in the table on the following pages.

Integrity Evaluation Definitions Signifi cance classifi cations are defi ned in the “Signifi cance of the Hotel by Area” section. Integrity classifi cations are defi ned as:

High Most of the original materials, function and design are extant and the area or feature portrays the same character and design as it did during the period of signifi cance.

Medium Many of the character-defi ning features, original function and design are extant, but modifi cations have reduced somewhat the ability of the area or space to convey its historical signifi cance.

Low Little of the original materials, function and design remain, but the area or feature still retains some ability to convey historic signifi cance.

None Th e space or feature has been so altered that it no longer conveys historic signifi cance.

Defi nitions of condition ratings are:

Good Th e space or element requires only routine maintenance and cleaning.

Fair Th e space or element shows signs of wear and requires minor repairs in addition to routine maintenance and cleaning.

Poor Th e space or element is extensively worn and needs major repairs or restoration.

For further information on conditions see Part II - Condition Assessment.

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Main Building

LOCATION SPACE OR ELEMENT SIGNIFICANCE

LEVEL

INTEGRITY

LEVEL

OVERALL

CONDITION NOTES

Exterior Granite piers and chimneys Very Signifi cant High Good Stained concrete walls Very Signifi cant High Fair Concrete raft er tails Very Signifi cant Medium Fair Raft er tails repaired with fi berglass-reinforced resin covers.

Concrete piers and beams at balconies Very Signifi cant High Fair Log column covers and raft er tails at Dining Room

Very Signifi cant Medium Fair Raft er tails replaced. Column bases are deteriorated.

Wood shutters Very Signifi cant High Fair Wood deteriorated, painted non-historic color.

Large windows at ground and fi rst fl oors Very Signifi cant High Fair Original wood windows Very Signifi cant High Fair Guest room windows Non-Historic N/A Good Original wood windows have been replaced with aluminum.

Back-of-house and Kitchen windows Contributing High Fair Some have been blocked off or modifi ed for vents.

Wood doors and frames Very Signifi cant High Fair Doors are in poor condition.

Canvas awnings Signifi cant Medium Fair Original canvas awning material has been replaced multiple times; awnings located on building during period of signifi cance had various striped patterns.

Balconies Very Signifi cant Medium Fair See notes on specifi c balconies below.

Balcony railings Very Signifi cant Medium Poor Logs severely deteriorated, metal rods and bars added, Elevator Penthouse railing missing.

Slate roofs Very Signifi cant Medium Good Areas of roof in Service Yard replaced with standing-seam copper instead of slate.

Fence at north side of Service Yard Contributing Medium Poor Wood rot at top of log posts.

Antennas at Elevator Penthouse Non-Historic N/A Fair Decreases overall building integrity.

Exposed plumbing on exterior walls Non-Historic N/A Fair Decreases overall building integrity.

Porte Cochere Signifi cant Medium Good Reconstructed.

Covered entrance walkway Signifi cant Medium Fair Reconstructed to match original; wood sidewalk is in poor condition.

Covered entrance walkway west wall Signifi cant High Fair Pavement color is faded (typical for all exterior pavement).

West Loggia Very Signifi cant High Fair East Loggia Very Signifi cant High Fair West Terrace Signifi cant High Poor Concrete paving is deteriorated.

South Terrace Signifi cant High Fair Concrete paving is deteriorated. Paving has heaved or settled creating cracks and is a tripping hazard.

East Terrace Signifi cant High Poor Loading dock Contributing Medium Fair Maintenance Shops in Service Yard Non-Historic N/A Fair

Table Summarizing Significance, Integrity, and Overall Condition

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LOCATION SPACE OR ELEMENT SIGNIFICANCE

LEVEL

INTEGRITY

LEVEL

OVERALL

CONDITION NOTES

Basement Boiler Room and Mechanical Room Historic Utilitarian N/A Poor Ground water infi ltration.

Ground fl oor Watchman’s and Driver’s Room (Valet Offi ce) and storage room

Contributing Medium Fair

Registration Lobby Very Signifi cant Medium Fair Spatial confi guration altered with addition of Sweet Shop area. Floor is in poor condition.

Registration Desk and Cashier’s Counter Signifi cant Medium Fair Both desks altered on staff side. Grilles at Cashier’s Counter removed. Safe is contributing.

Original Porte Cochere (Ahwahnee Bar) Contributing Low Fair Th ough the original Porte Cochere space was infi lled aft er the period of signifi cance, it retains the original stone piers and general space. Form of space and stone piers are contributing.

Gift Shop Signifi cant Medium Fair

Sweet Shop Signifi cant Low Fair Sweet Shop is currently only a third of original area size, remainder was added to Registration Lobby area.

Elevator Lobby Very Signifi cant High Fair Art Gallery (Hallway/Storage) Historic Utilitarian Low Poor Th e space has been divided into two back-of-house areas.

Stair to North Mezzanine Lounge Very Signifi cant High Good Great Lounge Very Signifi cant High Fair Approximately half of stencils have been painted over.

South Lounge (Under Lounge) Very Signifi cant High Fair California Room (Winter Club Room) Very Signifi cant High Fair Writing Room (Mural Room) Very Signifi cant High Fair Solarium Very Signifi cant High Fair Stair to Tudor Lounge has been altered.

Dining Room Very Signifi cant High Good Service bar is non-historic Main Kitchen Contributing Medium Poor Th e fl oor is structurally compromised, warped and uneven. Poor fi nishes.

Dining Room Offi ces Historic Utilitarian Medium Fair Men’s Room Contributing Low Fair Location and general layout remain. Fixtures and fi nishes are non-historic.

Barber Shop (General Manager’s Offi ce) Historic Utilitarian Low Fair

Assistant Manager’s Offi ce Contributing Medium Fair Cashier’s Offi ce and vault Historic Utilitarian Medium Fair

First fl oor / Mezzanine South Mezzanine Lounge (Tudor Lounge) Very Signifi cant Medium Fair Card Room No. 2 (Colonial Room) Very Signifi cant Medium Fair

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LOCATION SPACE OR ELEMENT SIGNIFICANCE

LEVEL

INTEGRITY

LEVEL

OVERALL

CONDITION NOTES

Colonial Room balconies Very Signifi cant High Poor Railings and doors are in poor condition; the concrete supports have effl orescence, spalled sections, and noticeable repairs.

Card Room No. 1 (Tresidder Room) Very Signifi cant…