Gull Lake Conference Center
Since 1937, Grand View Lodge Resort has prided themselves with providing their guests warmth and hospitality for generations. When the decision was made to create a conference center, the resort turned to Nor‐Son to accomplish the task in time for the resort’s buys season.
On the Fast Track
An aggressive fast track Design/Build delivery method was established in order to complete the project in time for their busy conference season. A collaborative approach was taken and daily communication was critical between the owner, architect and the rest of the design team to stay on schedule and within budget. Material selections were reviewed weekly, sometimes daily so the project team knew what was needed. Mock‐ups and samples with various finish applications helped tremendously with selections to match the historical aesthetics of the resort.
Since 1937, Grand View Lodge Resort, in Nisswa, Minnesota, has prided themselves with providing their guests warmth and hospitality for generations. When the decision was made to create a conference center, the resort turned to Nor‐Son to accomplish the task in time for the resort’s buys season.
Historic Integrity
The primary goal for this project was to incorporate a new conference facility in such a way that it would fit seamlessly into the natural wooded surroundings that have distinguished the resort since 1937. The building had to appear is if it had been there a lifetime surrounded in towering old growth cedar and white pine. Design elements from the historic main lodge were used in the conference center such as the rafter tail detailing and cedar shakes. Reclaimed materials like native fieldstone and timber were selected for environmental stewardship. Use of the traditional tones of brown cedar siding and white trim united the modern building with the resort’s history.
Beautiful Spaces
The main lobby of the conference center was designed to be warm, welcoming and multi‐functional, and would set the tone for the entire building. Gathering inspiration from the historic main lodge lobby, a fieldstone fireplace rests at the heart of the room to give the sense you are entering your living room rather than a place of business. Vaulted ceilings are accented with Douglas fir timbers with custom joinery. A curved balcony above a welcoming rafter tailed front desk greets guests. A hand painted banner made to look like vintage black and white postcard art of the resort’s past decorates the wall.
Craft your comfort.
When you think of Nor-Son, we want you to think "comfort." Comfort in the warm glow of a fireplace. Comfort that helps patients heal. Comfort that makes you feel at home.
The comfort of knowing that Nor-Son listens carefully to you to create your dream.
Where do you want to craft your comfort?
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