Ahwahnee_HSR_1.2011_pgs_241-264.pdf

Architectural Recommendations: InteriorsARCHITECTURAL RESOURCES GROUP

Histor ic Structures Report

III-11

January 2011

A RC H I T E C T U R A L

R E C OM M E N DAT ION S : I N T E R IOR S

T H E A H WA H N E E M A I N BU I L DI NG

Th e following is an outline of recommended treatments for the main building interiors. Th e recommendations listed in this section should be coordinated with the specifi c materials treatments described in the Recommendations: Materials Conservation section, and the Stained and Leaded Glass Window Survey reports (Appendix D).

In addition, refer to Th e Ahwahnee Historic Furnishings Report for additional information on interior furnishings and for detailed recommendations on light fi xture treatments.

General Treatment Recommendations Th e following is a summary of general interior treatment recommendations that presents functional considerations, makes general recommendations, and then off ers specifi c recommendations in relation to specifi c building features.

Functional Considerations

• Retain historic uses to the greatest extent possible.

• Rehabilitate exit path and egress systems throughout the building.

• Create a special events plan to minimize long-term impacts of special events and protect the historic character of the hotel.

• Minimize permanent and semi- permanent changes to spaces for temporary special events and limited uses.

General

• Conserve and repair historic fi nishes and features throughout.

• Repair altered or damaged character-defi ning features, where possible.

• Reconstruct missing character-defi ning features, where possible and appropriate.

• Retain historic furnishings to the extent possible.

Floors

• Conserve and maintain wood fl oors. Protect wood fl oors with fl oor coverings, especially in high traffi c areas.

• Conserve and maintain stained concrete fl oors.

• Conserve and maintain rubber tile mosaics.

• Replace carpet in public areas with more historically compatible carpeting.

Walls and Ceilings

• Conserve existing wall and ceiling plaster throughout. Repair areas damaged by water, wear, or inappropriate repairs. Limit areas of plaster removal in any rehabilitation activities.

• Consider restoration of the original integrally colored plaster wall and ceiling fi nishes, especially in selected areas, such as the Very Signifi cant spaces. Restoration of these fi nishes would entail removal of paint layers and probable installation of a new colored plaster skim coat. Th e process to restore the surface fi nish will require further study. See the discussion of plaster in the Recommendations: Materials Conservation section of this report for additional information.

• Where restoration of the original integrally colored plaster is not feasible, consider repainting the walls and ceilings in their original plaster colors. Th e current Fire and Life Safety project will provide an opportunity to collect plaster samples from most interior spaces. Th ese samples should be documented and used to guide the future interior color scheme of the building.

In repainting, consider the use of mineral paints which might have a similar appearance to the surface of the original integrally colored plaster.

A rchitectural Recom m endations: Interiors

Decorative Painting

• Conserve and protect remaining historic decorative painting throughout the building. Further investigation should focus both on documenting visible historic stencils and on determining locations of original extant stenciling that have been overpainted.

• Consider restoration of stenciling in Very Signifi cant spaces, such as the Great Lounge, where accurate documentation exists for the original locations and patterns. Undertake conservation investigations through careful sampling and exposure windows to document extant stenciling located below later paint layers.

Conserve and restore historic stencils that have been damaged or altered.

• Develop consistent methods for treating stencils that are non-historic. Non-historic stencils in the hotel generally fall into three categories:

1. Stencils added to locations that were not decoratively painted during the period of signifi cance, such as the Gift Shop and the Tresidder and Colonial Room fi replaces. Where possible to do so without damaging the historic substrate, these stencils should be removed. If removal is not possible, areas should be painted to match the original fi nish as closely as possible.

2. Stencils painted over historic stencils aft er the period of signifi cance that modify the historic character of the building such as areas adjacent to the doors of the passenger and service elevators and the Tudor Lounge fi replace. Where possible, the historic stencils should be restored either by removing the non-historic stencils to reveal the original or by recreating the historic pattern.

3. Stencils that replicate and extend original, historic patterns, such as those located towards the tops of walls in the former Sweet Shop area and upon modifi ed walls and soffi ts in guest rooms. In general, these stencils are consistent with original historic character and could remain in situ but future work might work towards diff erentiating them slightly from original stencils to indicate they were added aft er the period of signifi cance.

ARCHITECTURAL RESOURCES GROUPArchitectural Recommendations: Interiors

III-12

January 2011

Openings and Doors

• Conserve, repair and protect all leaded and stained glass. See

Appendix D for specifi c recommendations.

• Conserve and maintain historic doors.

• Conserve and maintain historic door hardware as much as possible.

• Consider refi nishing doors, trim, access panels and fi re hose cabinets to match historic stained and varnished fi nish. Linen closet doors retain their historic fi nish on the interior side and could serve as a model for refi nishing.

Fireplaces

• Conserve and maintain fi replaces.

Murals

• Conserve historic murals.

Views and Vistas

• Maintain all intact historical views from interior spaces and, where possible, restore altered views. Th is is particularly important in spaces like the Dining Room, which was consciously designed to create an axial view of Yosemite Falls. See Th e Ahwahnee Cultural Landscape Report for more information on the landscape and designed historical views.

Lighting

• Retain and conserve historic light fi xtures in their existing locations, unless otherwise noted. See Th e Ahwahnee Historic Furnishings Report for a detailed condition assessment and specifi c repair recommendations for historic light fi xtures.

• Wherever possible, remove non-historic and/or incompatible light fi xtures. Where new fi xtures are required, they should be compatible with the historic character of the rooms in which they are being installed.

• Where possible, relocate historic fi xtures to their historic locations.

• Where historic fi xtures are missing, replace with reproductions.

Other

• Create a signage plan for the hotel, that includes both its interior and exterior as well as the grounds. Th e goal of the signage plan should be to retain and protect historic signs where possible, recreate historic signs where appropriate, and provide new signs that are both compatible with the historic character of the hotel and meet the functional requirements.

• Rehabilitate passenger elevator system to meet code and functional requirements.

• Rehabilitate egress, life safety, and accessibility systems of the building as described in the section entitled Recommendations:

Code, Life Safety, and Accessibility.

• Rehabilitate structural system for seismic requirements to achieve life safety, as described in the section entitled Recommendations:

Structural and MEP.

• Rehabilitate electrical, lighting, mechanical, security, and telecommunications systems throughout the buildings, as described in the section entitled Recommendations: Structural and MEP.

• Retain historic radiators in public spaces, even if non-functioning, and restore the historic fi nish.

In addition to these general recommendations, the specifi c recommendations off ered on the following pages apply on a space by space basis.

Figure 409: Detail views of historic door hardware on the sixth fl oor, 2010. (Source: ARG)

Figure 410: Detail of mural in Mural Room, 2009. (Source: ARG)

III-13

January 2011

Concierge Desk Consider relocating concierge services to another space within the Registration Lobby to allow the removal of the built-in concierge desk, or retain the location of the concierge services but replace non-historic built-in desk with one that is a free-standing piece of furniture.

Radiator Covers Th e existing radiator covers were added in 2009 to protect sensitive art pieces. If the paintings are relocated, the radiator covers could be removed and the radiators refi nished. See Th e Ahwahnee Historic Furnishings Report for more information on placement of furnishings.

Registration Desk Th ough modifi ed, the registration desk is historic and should be repaired and made ADA compliant. Consider alternative measures for meeting ADA requirements such as a free-standing concierge desk for accessible check-in. Maintain as many historic desk features as possible.

Comment Box and Automatic Electronic Defi brillator (AED) Th e decorative paneled window to the Check Room is partially obscured at present by the guest comment box which should be moved to a more discreet location. An Automatic Electronic Defi brillator (AED) should be moved to a less prominent location away from the historic wood panel or stored within the fi re hose case in the service corridor.

Other Non-Historic Items Wall plaques and signage in proximity to the registration desk create visual clutter. All signage not required by law should be removed.

As part of the anticipated rehabilitation project, existing electrical devices and surface-mounted conduit should be evaluated for their necessity. Remove unnecessary devices. Essential devices should be upgraded and be compatible with Registration Lobby fi nishes.

Consider the impact of conduit locations on historic fi nishes.

Surface-mounted conduit should be eliminated from visible areas by rerouting through interstitial spaces above the ceiling.

Registration Lobby

Function of the Space Maintain the original functions of the registration desk, main lobby area, and hallway.

Floor, Walls, and Ceiling Conserve and maintain scored and stained concrete fl oor. Retain or replace carpet tiles behind registration desk as required for function.

Conserve and maintain rubber tile fl ooring mosaics. Conserve wall and ceiling plaster fi nishes.

Historical photographs indicate a stencil pattern around the drinking fountain, which could be restored if desirable to do so. Conserve the wall and column stencils on the original Registration Lobby walls.

When the Sweet Shop walls were removed, non-historic stencils were added to match those in the Registration Lobby. Th ough consistent with the original historic character, they were added aft er the period of signifi cance and are non-historic. Consider modifying the existing non-historic stencils to distinguish them slightly from historic stenciling.

Th e wood wainscot should be retained. Repair scratches and nicks on wainscot; restore fi nish.

Openings and Doors Th e exterior door frames in the room are all original and should be retained. Two pairs of doors to the terrace retain the original swing direction as they open into the interior; they also retain original hardware. Th ese should remain in their present confi guration. Th e door hardware could serve as a template for appropriate replacement hardware at all ground fl oor exterior doors. Th e doors between the Registration Lobby and the Ahwahnee Bar are also original and the outer pairs retain original hardware. Th e main entrance doors and the pair opposite are replacements. Th ough similar, they have replacement hardware and insulated glazing. All original doors and hardware should be retained.

Lighting Th e historic light fi xtures in this area should be retained, repaired and, where appropriate, returned to original locations. A historic fi xture located near the entrance to the Ahwahnee Bar was moved from its original location. Determine original locations of historic fi xtures and reinstall if possible. Th e fi xture in the fi rst bay of the former Sweet Shop appears to belong in the bay over the Ahwahnee Bar entrance. Th e third original Sweet Shop fi xture is in storage in the lamp room and should be restored and reinstalled.

Other If returning this space to a more historically accurate condition is determined to be a priority, consider reconstructing the walls around the Sweet Shop to reestablish the original shape of the Registration Lobby. Consider reconstructing the doors to the Sweet Shop along the hallway to recreate the historic circulation pattern.

Likewise, the rehabilitation of the Cashier’s Counter could be achieved by removing the new wood panels at the counter and returning the grilles from the doors of General Manager’s Offi ce to the original, historic location at the Cashier’s Counter. Consider installing translucent glass behind the panels to admit light and to maintain privacy.

GROUND FLOOR

Very Signifi cant

III-14

January 2011

Lighting Retain or replace lighting fi xtures as needed for function. Ensure that new fi xtures are compatible with historic fi xtures. Th e light fi xtures historically located on the piers of the Porte Cochere are currently located at the West Loggia; consider reinstalling these fi xtures in their original, historic locations.

Other Consider removing the east and north additions as they are not in keeping with the hotel’s exterior historic character. Consider providing windows along the north wall to allow views to the landscape and additional light into the Ahwahnee Bar.

GROUND FLOOR

ContributingOriginal Porte Cochere (Ahwahnee Bar)

Function of the Space Retain the historic form and footprint of the original Porte Cochere.

Continue the current use or modify the function as needed, but maintain a public use compatible with the adjacent Registration Lobby. Additions to the north and east are not historic and may be modifi ed.

Floor, Walls, and Ceiling Modify fl oor fi nish as necessary for function. Provide high quality fi nish materials.

Retain stone piers and other historic structural elements. Maintain piers free of decoration. Provide high quality fi nish materials at walls and ceiling.

Openings and Doors Th e windows and doors to the Registration Lobby are original and should be retained. Th e exterior frames and doors at south wall may be retained or modifi ed as necessary. Doors to the back-of-house areas may be modifi ed as necessary.

Sweet Shop

Function of the Space Maintain the current commercial function in this location. Since this area has changed over time, opportunities exist to modify the existing function and layout of the space. Consider reconstruction of walls in the original confi guration using historical documentation as a basis for the design. Consider replication of the original doors from the space opening to the Registration Lobby hallway.

Floor, Walls, and Ceiling Consider removal of existing vinyl tile to expose the historic stained concrete fl ooring. Assess condition. Restore concrete fl ooring to original condition.

Remove non-historic stencils from beams and walls.

Where original wood wainscot has been removed to allow installation of cabinetry and casework, consider reconstructing areas of wood wainscot. Restore wall and ceiling plaster fi nishes.

Openings and Doors Repair or replace the existing double doors to the exterior. Restore hardware, or replace to match existing. Retain and repair glazing and wood frames around the doors.

Signifi cant

GROUND FLOOR

Figure 411: View from Ahwahnee Bar to Registration Lobby, 2010. (Source:

ARG)

III-15

January 2011

Lighting If returning the Sweet Shop area to a more historically accurate condition is determined to be a priority, retain the two historic 4-light chandeliers. A third similar chandelier is in hotel storage and could be rehabilitated and reinstalled. Return to original locations in the Sweet Shop area three of the four historic sconces from their current locations in the coat room, the Diggins Suite, and the stair that communicates between the Elevator Lobby and North Mezzanine Lounge. Locate or replicate the fourth sconce.

Other Retain and repair the original extant Sweet Shop casework.

Lighting Retain historic light fi xtures in their historic locations. Consider improved retail display lighting with new historically compatible fi xtures.

Other Th ree original Gift Shop display tables remain in use in the Tudor Lounge and could be returned to the Gift Shop, if that is determined to be a priority.

None of the existing Gift Shop furnishings such as counters, display cabinets, shelving or casework appear to be historic. Furnishings may be modifi ed for function as necessary. Locate retail displays and cabinets away from the windows to maintain visual connections to the exterior and the covered entrance walkway. Locate retail displays and cabinets to allow suffi cient room for ADA access and circulation. Th e current non-historic transaction counter may require modifi cation to meet ADA requirements.

Gift Shop

Function of the Space Maintain the original function of the space as the Gift Shop. Retain the original form of the space. Consider re-establishing overall historic character and aesthetic of the Gift Shop which was refi ned and elegant.

Floor, Walls, and Ceiling Consider rehabilitation of the original stained and scored concrete fl oor. If determined to be a priority, remove existing vinyl tile to expose original fl ooring. Assess condition. Restore concrete fl oor to original condition.

Restore plaster fi nishes on walls and ceilings. Remove non-historic stencils.

Openings and Doors Retain and repair original windows and doors to the exterior and Registration Lobby, as necessary.

Consider making operable the original glazed exterior door to the covered entrance walkway.

Consider removal of the existing mechanical duct along the west wall to expose original clerestory windows. Reroute the ductwork into the interstitial space above the ceiling. Rehabilitate clerestory windows.

GROUND FLOOR

Signifi cant

Figure 412: View from Sweet Shop to Registration Lobby, 2010. (Source: ARG)

Figure 413: Detail view of entrance to Gift Shop, 2010.

(Source: ARG)

III-16

January 2011

Elevator Lobby

Function of the Space Retain the historic function of this space.

Floor, Walls, and Ceiling Conserve and maintain scored and stained concrete fl oor. Restore plaster fi nishes of walls and ceilings. Remove non-historic faux-wood paint fi nish on beams.

Restore the historic stencils on the beams of the north wall. Restore the historic stencils to their original patterns at the elevator, service elevator, and service doors. Restore the painted and carved wood on the door surrounds located on the north wall. Determine original colors. Restore original colors.

Clean and maintain the jasper stone masonry around the stair.

Openings and Doors Retain and maintain the original, vertical panel wood doors to the service area, the offi ce, the Coat Check Room, and the closet.

Fireplace Rehabilitate fi replace by removing damaged bricks from fi rebox and replacing with new bricks of the same color, texture, and coursing.

Re-point mortar in hearth. Clean soot from jasper stone surround to reveal original color.

GROUND FLOOR

Mural Retain and restore the mural over fi replace. Consult with a professional art conservator to assess, clean, and conserve the mural as needed.

Lighting Retain the original light fi xtures in original historic locations.

Reinstall historic wall sconce which is now located in Registration Lobby to its historic location in this room. Consider removal of the wall sconce at the stair landing and return to historic location in the Sweet Shop.

Other Retain historic handrail at upper run of stairs. Other handrails are non-historic and do not meet building code or ADA requirements.

Modify non-historic handrails to meet code. An alternating color band is provided at the lowest step, as required. Add alternating color band at top landing and bottom stair of each run of steps, per current building code.

Determine if stamped concrete pattern at lower stair landing originally had a colored stain. If so, restore original fi nish.

Very Signifi cant Great Lounge

Function of the Space Continue the historic function as a lounge.

Continue use of Great Lounge and adjacent spaces for special events. Minimize potential impacts to spaces, materials, and historic furnishings. Consider development of a comprehensive events plan with a goal of minimizing the impacts of special events.

Consider discontinuing use of the adjacent West Loggia as a storage area for miscellaneous items.

Floor, Walls, and Ceiling Wood fl ooring should be refi nished throughout the space, including the areas of fl ooring that are currently unfi nished. Consider use of rugs in circulation areas to protect the fl oor and to reduce noise and vibration.

Restore plaster fi nishes on walls and ceilings. Investigate the source of the moisture causing staining of the ceiling. Repair areas of plaster damage, taking care to retain as much of the original plaster and fi nishes as possible. Investigate and record the original color of the plaster.

Repair cracks in wall over the north fi replace while using caution with regard to nearby historic stencils and painted fi nishes. Avoid

GROUND FLOOR

Figure 414: Detail view of mural in Elevator Lobby, 2010. (Source: ARG)

III-17

January 2011

Other A fi re exit stair now exits in the space of the West Loggia, and it is visible from the Great Lounge. Other options for building exiting should be considered that might be more compatible and less intrusive to allow the potential removal of this stair in the future.

Retain, clean, and repaint radiators to original color. Remove non-historic wood cover. If radiators become obsolete, retain as historic artifacts. Replace the radiator now missing from its historic location, if possible.

Exposed surface-mounted conduit related to speakers on the south wall could be better concealed. A set of speakers, which may provide a redundant function, is concealed in cabinets in the Great Lounge, which may be redundant. Consider removing the surface-mounted speakers. At a minimum, wiring should be concealed.

damage to the existing (but overpainted) mural over north fi replace.

Although this mural was painted aft er the period of signifi cance, it has artistic value and is associated with the Spencer family. Avoid incurring damage to mural if any work undertaken in this area.

Decorative Painting Consider restoration of overpainted stenciling and decorative fi nishes that date to the period of signifi cance. Approximately half of the original stencils have been overpainted. Restore historic stencils by removing layers of paint or recreate overpainted stencils in appropriate patterns, colors, textures, and sheens.

Restore remaining original painted stencils. See Th e Ahwahnee Historic Furnishings Report for more information on the decorative painting.

Openings and Doors Retain and conserve stained glass windows. See Appendix D for more information on the conservation of the stained and leaded glass.

See Exterior Architectural Treatment Recommendations for exterior doors.

Fireplace Rehabilitate fi replace by cleaning the cast-stone hearth and surround, removing only damaged bricks in the fi rebox, and replacing with new bricks to the match the original. Conserve the wood mantel.

Lighting Repair and retain the historic pendant light fi xtures in their original locations. Restore fi nish of the oblong fi xtures, which were originally a rusted palette but are currently painted black. Adjust oblong fi xtures to hang parallel to walls.

Figure 415: Detail views of ceiling in Great Lounge, 2010. (Source: ARG)

III-18

January 2011

California Room (Winter Club Room)

Function of the Space Continue the function of this space as a meeting and lounge space.

Floor, Walls, and Ceiling Conserve and maintain scored and stained concrete fl oor. Consider use of rugs to protect the fl oor and to restore the historic character of the room. Restore plaster fi nishes of walls and ceilings. Retain the wood trim and restore historic fi nish as determined with paint analysis. Remove overpainting on beams. Restore historic faux-wood fi nish painted on beams.

Openings and Doors See the Architectural Recommendations: Exterior section for door treatment.

Fireplace Maintain and conserve the fi replace. Clean the surround and hearth.

Re-point mortar joints in hearth. Repair gap in mantel and remove exposed nails. Replace damaged bricks in the fi rebox to match the original. See the Materials Conservation Recommendations for more information on cast stone and brick.

Lighting Repair and rehabilitate altered historic light fi xtures. Replace glass shades to match the originals.

GROUND FLOOR

Very Signifi cantSouth Lounge (Under Lounge)

Function of the Space Maintain, both visually and functionally, the historic relationship of the Under Lounge as an adjunct space to the Great Lounge. When the Under Lounge and adjacent spaces are used for special or private events, temporarily separate the Under Lounge and Great Lounge with the use of draperies. Consider developing a special events plan for the Under Lounge.

Floor, Walls, and Ceiling Conserve and maintain scored and stained concrete fl oor. Repair previous fl oor patching. Restore plaster fi nishes of walls and ceilings.

Retain and restore the wood trim. Restore original light-colored fi nish of wood trim as determined through paint analysis. Remove decorative faux-wood fi nish painted on ceiling beams. Restore historic fi nish.

Openings and Doors Retain the openings to the Great Lounge, Solarium, Mural Room and Winter Club Room.

Retaining and using draperies to separate or enclose spaces between the Great Lounge, Under Lounge, Solarium and adjacent spaces, as was done during the period of signifi cance, allows for maximum fl exibility and illustrates the spatial interconnection between spaces.

Maintain draperies in an open position on a day by day basis. Draw draperies as needed in cases of special events. Replicate original drapery rods similar to historic hardware in the Solarium.

Fireplace Maintain the fi replace by cleaning the cast-stone hearth and surround, and removing damaged bricks from the fi rebox and replacing with new bricks to the match the original. Conserve and maintain the wood mantel.

Lighting Retain the historic pendant and sconce light fi xtures in their original locations.

Other Remove speakers and track lighting. Supplement lighting levels, if necessary, with table or fl oor lamps. Further supplement lighting levels for special events, if necessary, with portable, temporary lights.

GROUND FLOOR

Very Signifi cant

Figure 416: Detail view of fi replace in Under Lounge, 2010. (Source: ARG)

III-19

January 2011

Other Retain Winter Club photographs and mementos. Provide further interpretation of the artifacts and the Winter Club.

Consider removal of the surface-mounted speakers.

Writing Room (Mural Room)

Function of the Space Continue the function of this space as a meeting and lounge space.

Floor, Walls, and Ceiling Retain, refi nish, and maintain wood fl oor. Restore fi nishes of ceiling plaster. Conserve historic faux-wood fi nish painted on beams.

Repair damaged areas of wood wall paneling. Inspect the radiator to ensure it is in proper working order and not damaging wood materials. Repair the fi nish on the north wall, as needed. See the Materials Conservation Recommendations for more information on wood conservation.

Openings and Doors See the Architectural Recommendations: Exterior section for door treatment.

Fireplace Maintain the fi replace. Clean hearth. Repair and repaint corner.

Repoint mortar. Restore the fi nish of the copper hood to the historic patina. See the Materials Conservation Recommendations for more information.

Mural Conserve and protect the toile peinte mural on the north wall.

Consult with a professional art conservator to assess the mural and conserve and protect it, as needed.

Lighting Retain historic chandelier. Reinstall original wall sconces, now located in the Colonial Room, to the original locations on the east wall of this room.

Other Retain radiator cover. Repair and restore the historic stained and varnished fi nish. Remove speakers and exposed wires. Retain recently installed, wall-mounted corner guards for improved protection of historic materials.

GROUND FLOOR

Very Signifi cant

Figure 417: Overall view of Winter Club Room, 2010. (Source: ARG)

Figure 418: Historical view of Mural Room showing wall surface and fl oor, 1943. (Source: Yosemite National Park Museum, 113964)

III-20

January 2011

Solarium

Function of the Space Continue the original function of the space as a sunroom, lounge, and meeting room.

Floor, Walls, and Ceiling Conserve and maintain scored and stained concrete fl oor. Restore wall and ceiling plaster fi nishes. Protect the wood trim and restore to original fi nish as determined with paint analysis. Repair previous patches to ceiling surface.

Openings and Doors Maintain draperies at openings between the Under Lounge and the Solarium, as during the period of signifi cance. See the Architectural Recommendations: Exterior section for door and window treatment.

Lighting Retain historic light fi xtures in their original locations.

Other If returning the north wall of the Solarium to a more historically accurate condition is determined to be a priority, remove projecting stair landing. Consider returning the north wall an fountain wall on the north side of the room to original confi guration and condition.

Alterations should be compatible with the original historic character.

Additional modifi cations to stair may be required for ADA accessibility to rooms located on the south mezzanine.

Maintain and conserve jasper stone fountain and pool. Seal fountain pool to prevent future leaks. See the Materials Conservation Recommendations for more information on stone and mortar conservation.

Retain and repair radiators, and restore them to match their historic fi nish.

GROUND FLOOR

Very Signifi cant Dining Room

Function of the Space Continue the original function of the space as the Dining Room.

Floor, Walls, and Ceiling Conserve and maintain scored and stained concrete fl oor. Conserve and maintain plaster wall fi nishes.

If returning the Dining Room to a more historically accurate condition is determined to be a priority, consider removing the non-historic Service Bar and restoring the historic wainscot. Conserve and maintain wood wainscot located upon the north and east walls.

Conserve and maintain the stone piers. If any modifi cations to the piers are required for seismic upgrades or other reasons, retain as much of the historic materials as possible. Conserve and maintain Celotex ceiling and wall panels including the decorative stencils upon them.

Conserve and maintain log trusses and columns. Any reinforcing or modifi cations required for seismic strengthening should retain as much of the original materials as possible and be carefully detailed to minimize changes.

GROUND FLOOR

Very Signifi cant

Figure 419: Historical overall view of Solarium, c. 1940. Note fountain and stair landing. (Source: Yosemite National Park Museum)

III-21

January 2011

Openings and Doors See the Architectural Recommendations: Exterior section for door and window treatment.

Lighting Restore original light fi xtures. Rehabilitate and return historic light fi xtures to the original locations at the east end of the Dining Room from which they are missing. Missing fi xtures are stored in the lamp room.

Spotlights mounted to log trusses are used annually for brief periods during the Bracebridge Dinners. Remove mounted spotlights at log trusses when not in use and reinstall annually, as necessary. Remove speakers or other equipment also used in the seasonal production.

Other Remove exposed surface wiring that is used annually for brief periods during the Bracebridge Dinners, as it is hazardous. Wiring may be rerouted through the underfl oor crawl space, behind the north wall, or in another concealed space.

Men’s Room

Function of the Space Th is space should continue to function as the Men’s Room.

Rehabilitate layout to meet code requirements for accessibility. If necessary, in addition to maintaining the historic locations, provide additional rest rooms in other locations to meet code requirements.

See the Code and Life Safety Recommendations for more information.

Floor, Walls, and Ceiling Retain or refi nish fl oor as needed for function. Retain and restore plaster wall and ceiling fi nishes or refi nish walls for function, as needed. Select fi nishes that are compatible with the historic character of the building.

Openings and Doors For doors opening to public areas, rehabilitate to meet code while maintaining as much of the historic door and hardware as possible.

Lighting Provide new lighting as required for function. Select fi xtures that are compatible with the historic design.

Other Modify partitions, countertops and fi xtures to meet function and code, as needed. Maintain the historic layout. Select materials and colors that are compatible with the historic character of the building.

Barber Shop (General Manager’s Office)

Function of the Space Th is area will continue to function in a back-of-house capacity.

Rehabilitate rooms for functional requirements. Retain as much historic material as possible.

Floor, Walls, and Ceiling Retain or replace carpet and carpet tiles as needed for functional requirements. Remove the 9x9 tiles in vault and replace with new fl ooring.

Restore wall and ceiling plaster fi nishes.

Modify non-historic gypsum board walls and ceilings and add new walls to meet the functional requirements, as needed.

Openings and Doors Retain historic doors and hardware.

Other Retain or modify non-historic cabinets and counters for functional requirements, as needed. Retain the vault in its historic location.

GROUND FLOOR

Historic Utilitarian

MEN’S

ROOM

GROUND FLOOR

Contributing

Figure 420: Detail view of Dining Room fl oor and wall, 2010. (Source: ARG)

III-22

January 2011

Kitchen Wing

Function of the Space Th ese spaces should continue to serve their general original function, although some changes to function and spatial relationships may be necessary. Retain the historic character-defi ning, double-height space and layout.

Floor, Walls, and Ceiling Repair structural damage to fl oors and install new fl oor fi nishes as required for health and building code requirements. Restore plaster fi nishes of walls and ceilings. Maintain current wall and ceiling fi nishes, or provide new fi nishes as required by health department requirements.

Openings and Doors Retain doors and hardware at connections to public rooms. Retain historic doors and windows in west wall by bakery and employee dining areas. Retain historic freezer and refrigerator doors. Retain and rehabilitate historic doors and windows located on the west wall.

Lighting Retain or modify lighting as needed for functional requirements.

Contributing

GROUND FLOOR

South Mezzanine Lounge (Tudor Lounge)

Function of the Space Th is space should continue to be used for meetings and as a space in which to gather before or aft er events held in the adjacent lounges.

Floor, Walls, and Ceiling Determine if historic fl oor fi nish was wood or stained concrete.

Existing carpet fl oor fi nish may be important to retain for wear and acoustical purposes. Conserve and maintain plaster fi nishes of walls and ceilings.

Openings and Doors Retain and maintain operable interior wood windows that open to the space of the Great Lounge. Retain non-historic speaker cabinets located below these windows; they were installed sensitively and do not negatively impact the character of the Great Lounge or the Tudor Lounge.

Retain and maintain openings to the Solarium. Modify railings if necessary to meet code, while retaining historic materials and character.

Retain non-historic doors to the Colonial and Tresidder Rooms as they are compatible with the historic character of these spaces.

Fireplace Restore fi replace. Remove non-historic paint and stencil on brick.

Remove non-historic hearth. Restore original historic hearth, if extant. If not, install historically compatible new hearth.

Lighting Retain existing non-historic light fi xtures that are similar in style and character to the historic fi xtures. Locate missing wall sconces.

Replicate wall sconces, using historical documentation, if originals are not located.

Other If the South Mezzanine stair is modifi ed to address egress, accessibility, code, and life safety concerns, consider alternatives that will have minimal impact on the existing stairway and on the areas fl anking the fi replace. Consider alternatives that will retain the overall form of the Tudor Lounge and its primary features such as the fi replace and overlooks to the ground fl oor spaces in the adjacent Solarium. See the code and life safety recommendations for more information.

Remove exposed wiring.

Consider improving the ventilation capacity of this space.

FIRST FLOOR / MEZZANINE

Figure 421: Overall view of the Tudor Lounge, 2009. (Source: ARG)

III-23

January 2011

FIRST FLOOR / MEZZANINE

Card Room No. 2 (Colonial Room)

Function of the Space Th is space will continue its use as a meeting room.

Floor, Walls, and Ceiling Existing carpet fl oor fi nish may be important to retain for wear and acoustical purposes. Consider removing carpet and refi nishing the wood fl oor, if appropriate.

Restore plaster fi nishes of walls and ceiling. Restore wood trim and original fi nish and color as determined through paint analysis.

Openings and Doors Retain the non-historic interior door to the Tudor Lounge as it is historically compatible. See the Architectural Recommendations:

Exterior section for exterior door treatment.

Fireplace Restore fi replace. Remove non-historic paint and stencil on the brick and on the wood mantel, if possible to do so without damaging substrate. Remove non-historic hearth. Restore historic hearth, if extant. If not, install compatible new hearth.

Lighting Remove existing brass wall sconces from this room and reinstall in their original location in the Mural Room. Return tin wall sconces, Very Signifi cant currently located in the second fl oor suite vestibule, to their historic location on the west wall of this room. Remove and reinstall brass chandelier to its original location, which is currently unknown but may have been located in the Tudor Lounge. Locate or replicate the original wrought-iron fi xture that was in this space and is similar in design to that located in the Second Floor Parlor.

Other Remove exposed wiring.

Figure 422: Gunnar M. Widforss watercolor painting of Card Room No. 2, now Colonial Room, c. 1927. (Source: Yosemite National Park Museum, YOSE 38541)

III-24

January 2011

Card Room No. 1 (Tresidder Room)

Function of the Space Th is space should continue its use as a meeting room.

Floor, Walls, and Ceiling Existing carpet fl oor fi nish may be important to retain for wear and acoustical purposes. Consider removing carpet and refi nishing the wood fl oor, if appropriate.

Restore plaster fi nishes of walls and ceiling. Repair previous patches to the ceiling surface. Restore wood trim and original fi nish and color as determined through paint analysis.

Openings and Doors Retain the non-historic interior door to the Tudor Lounge as it is historically compatible. See the Architectural Recommendations:

Exterior section for exterior door treatment.

Fireplace Restore fi replace. Remove non-historic paint and stencil located on the brick and on the wood mantel, if possible to do so without damaging substrate. Remove non-historic hearth. Restore historic hearth if extant. If not, install compatible new hearth.

Lighting Retain historic lighting fi xture.

Other Remove exposed wiring.

FIRST FLOOR / MEZZANINE

Very Signifi cant Women’s Lounge (North Mezzanine Lounge)

Function of the Space Th is room should continue to serve its function as a lounge and circulation space. Consider relocating the ATM, the Dining Room reservation desk, and the public pay phones currently located within this space.

Floor, Walls, and Ceiling Conserve and maintain the scored and stained concrete fl oor.

Continue the use of rugs to protect the fl oor, particularly in high traffi c areas. Restore plaster fi nishes of walls and ceiling.

Restore wood trim and fi nish to match the original fi nish as determined with paint analysis. Consider returning the north wall to its original confi guration by removing the wall projection that comprises the fi re stair vestibule in order to restore the room’s symmetry. Determine if an overpainted stencil exists over the stair door as one does on upper fl oors.

Restore the original faux-wood fi nish on beams.

Openings and Doors Maintain the visual connection to the Great Lounge. Retain and modify railings, if necessary to meet code, while retaining historic materials and character.

FIRST FLOOR / MEZZANINE

Very Signifi cant

Figure 423: Historical view of Tresidder Room, c. 1950s. (Source: Yosemite National Park Archives)

III-25

January 2011

Repair wood railings. Remove spotlights mounted on railings.

Retain the interior doors and hardware. Upgrade hardware as needed for ADA. Restore doors and frames to their historic light-colored, transparent fi nish.

Lighting Retain historic light fi xtures in their original locations.

Other Remove exposed wiring.

Private Dining Room (Diggins Suite)

Function of the Space Th e function of this area has changed several times over the life of the building. Changes to function or confi guration may be considered in order to meet functional or programmatic needs.

Floor, Walls, and Ceiling Determine the original fl oor material as it may be stained concrete.

Restore historic plaster walls and ceiling to the greatest extent possible.

Openings and Doors Retain original doors and hardware to the North Mezzanine Lounge.

Lighting Remove the historic wall fi xture from the hallway and return it to its historic location in the Sweet Shop. Return the historic cylindrical fi xture to its original location on the stair landing of the North Mezzanine.

Provide new lighting in the space that is compatible with the building design.

FIRST FLOOR / MEZZANINE

Non-Historic

FIRST FLOOR / MEZZANINE

ContributingWomen’s Room

Function of the Space Th is room should continue to function as the Women’s Room.

Rehabilitate the layout to meet code accessibility requirements. If necessary, provide additional rest rooms in other locations to meet code requirements. See the Code and Life Safety Recommendations for more information.

Finishes Retain or modify the fl oor fi nishes as needed. Select fi nishes that are compatible with the historic character. Restore plaster fi nishes of walls and ceiling.

Openings and Doors Rehabilitate doors opening to the North Mezzanine Lounge to meet code, while maintaining historic doors and hardware.

Lighting Provide new lighting as required. Select historically compatible fi xtures.

Other Modify partitions, countertops and fi xtures to meet function and code, as needed. Maintain the historic layout if possible. Select materials and colors that are compatible with the historic character.

See the Mechanical Systems Assessment section for information on plumbing and venting in these rooms.

Figure 424: Detail view of historic light fi xture in North Mezzanine Lounge, 2010. (Source: ARG)

III-26

January 2011

First through Fifth Floor Elevator Lobbies and Corridors

Floor, Walls, and Ceiling Remove existing non-historic fl oor covering and install carpeting that is more compatible with historic patterns.

Restore plaster fi nishes of walls and ceilings.

Decorative Finishes Remove non-historic stencils over elevator doors, and restore historic stencils in these locations. Determine which of the other stencils located on upper portions of walls and upon beams that are historic.

Retain the historic stencils and remove non-historic stencils. See the guest room recommendations for information on the stencils located upon the transoms.

Openings and Doors Consider restoring historic stained and varnished fi nish to doors and trims, including fi re hose cabinets, wall base trim, access doors, and other related woodwork.

Lighting Remove non-historic light fi xtures. Some historic fi xtures are stored in the lamp room. Th ese fi xtures should be repaired and reinstalled in their historic locations. Replicate fi xtures, as needed, and install in historic locations. Add compatible supplemental lighting, as needed, while maintaining the historic character of the hallways.

Other Retain and protect vacuum outlets and other elements of original fi xtures. Resolve fi re separation and egress issues. See the Code and Life Safety Recommendations for additional information.

FIRST FLOOR / MEZZANINE

THIRD FLOOR

FIFTH FLOOR

SECOND FLOOR

FOURTH FLOOR

Signifi cant Guest Rooms in Main Building

Function of the Space Retain general layout of guest rooms. Some room layouts have been modifi ed to provide more space in the rooms, which resulted in smaller closets. Several rooms, now used as guest rooms, had other functions historically. Room 116 was the General Manager’s Offi ce.

Room 117 was the Beauty Parlor. Room 118 was the Private Dining Room and, later, the Diggins Bar. Th e sixth fl oor was a ballroom and, later, a private apartment.

Floor, Walls, and Ceiling Replace worn carpet with new carpet compatible with the historic character of the rooms. Restore plaster fi nishes of walls and ceilings.

Consider restoration of the original color schemes for the rooms.

Conserve the wood trim and consider restoration of the historic fi nish and colors.

Many rooms have added soffi ts from HVAC upgrades. Additional soffi ts are proposed as part of the current fi re and life safety upgrade project. New soffi t construction should be minimized.

Decorative Finishes Conserve and maintain historic frieze stencils. Where recent non-historic stenciling has been added, consider adding stencils at the soffi ts in a compatible manner that does not appear to be original.

Conduct a comprehensive paint analysis of one typical room to document original locations and patterns of stenciling. Consider restoration of over-painted stencils at connecting doors, entry doors, and other locations as determined by paint analysis.

Openings and Doors Retain historic doors and hardware. Consider restoration of historic stained and varnished fi nish on doors and transoms. Retain the non-historic raised panels mounted upon the doors as they provide sound insulation.

Contributing

III-27

January 2011

Lighting Consider returning the lighting in the guest rooms to a more authentic or compatible appearance by replacing the current light fi xtures.

Several original guest room light fi xtures are stored in the lamp room.

Th e historic fi xtures should be returned to their original locations in guest rooms, where possible. Replicate light fi xture using historic fi xtures as models.

Supplemental contemporary lighting should be compatible and could be provided by fl oor and table lamps, as needed.

Guest Bathrooms in Main Building

Function of the Space Retain general room layouts and historic function, where possible.

Where possible, maintain historic fi xture locations.

Floor, Walls, and Ceiling Current tile fl ooring is compatible with the historic character of the guest rooms in which they are encompassed and is appropriate to leave in place until the material reaches the end of its useful life.

Restore plaster fi nishes of walls and ceilings. Consider restoration of the original color schemes in the bathrooms. Retain the wood trim and refi nish to match the historic fi nish. Ceilings in many bathrooms have been lowered and are of gypsum board with mechanical units located above them. Where the original plaster ceilings remain, retain the plaster.

Openings and Doors Retain historic doors and hardware. Consider restoration of historic stained and varnished fi nish on doors.

Lighting Remove non-historic light fi xtures and replace with more compatible fi xtures.

Other Improve mechanical ventilation system by installing a new ducted system.

Contributing Second and Th ird Floor Suites and Parlors

Function of the Space Retain general room layout and connections between guest rooms and parlors.

Floor, Walls, and Ceiling Replace worn carpet with new carpet compatible with the historic character of the rooms. Conserve and maintain the plaster wall and ceiling fi nishes. Consider restoration of the original color schemes for the rooms.

Conserve the wood wainscot and wood wall trim, and consider restoration of the historic fi nish.

Openings and Doors Retain original doors and hardware. Consider restoration of historic stained and varnished fi nish on doors.

Fireplaces Maintain fi replaces. Retain non-historic fi re screens as they are compatible.

Lighting Retain historic light fi xtures in their historic locations.

Remove non-historic light fi xtures and replace either with replicas of the historic light fi xtures or with more compatible new fi xtures.

Note that the wall-mounted light fi xtures existing in the second fl oor vestibules were originally located in the Colonial Room.

Consider returning them to their original location and installing new compatible fi xtures in their place.

Signifi cant

Figure 426: Overall view of typical guest room, 2010. (Source: ARG)

Figure 425: Overall view of typical corridor, 2010. (Source: ARG)

III-28

January 2011

Openings and Doors Retain the historic doors and hardware to the greatest extent possible.

Conserve, repair, and maintain the leaded glass windows. See Appendix D for specifi c recommendations for the leaded glass.

Retain the current confi guration of the Sun Porch including the folding glass doors. Reconstruct the log railing.

Fireplace Maintain the fi replace. Repair the crack in the surround.

Lighting Retain the…