View the progress photos of the Inn expansion... from beginning to finish.

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Inn Expansion at Sauder Village...
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In the fall of 2005, a major expansion project at the Sauder Heritage Inn was started to create additional space to host the many quilters, rug hookers, family vacationers, conference and group tour participants hoping to stay overnight at this vacation destination. The addition of guest rooms, an indoor pool and unique gathering spaces under the "Great Oak Tree allow even more people to experience the warm hospitality that Sauder Village is recognized for.

Work began on the construction of 64 new guest rooms, nearly tripling the capacity of Sauder Heritage Inn. The design of the rooms and gathering spaces compliments the look and feel of the current facility. The expansion also included a unique indoor pool with natural rock features, a waterfall and hot tub. Other guest amenities included in the Inn project are an expanded exercise room and a new game room near the pool area.

A focal point of the expansion project is the construction of a "Great Oak Tree" adjacent to the indoor pool. Standing 25 feet tall with a 35 foot canopy and a trunk 4 feet in diameter, the "Great Oak Tree" was built to represent the majestic Oak trees found throughout Northwest Ohio. This replica tree was designed and built in Carlsbad, California by NatureMaker, originator of the "steel art tree". The tree was brought to Ohio in sections and was installed onsite once the Inn neared completion. The area around the "Great Oak Tree" is an ideal gathering place for guests of all ages to visit, relax, play a game or read a good book. The tables under the tree allow this comfortable space to also be used for breakfast each morning.

"We are very excited to be moving forward with this phase of our Master Plan for the hospitality area of our business," said Debbie David, Executive Director. "The indoor pool and "Great Oak Tree" combined with the relaxing ambiance of our country Inn will provide a unique vacation destination for our guests throughout the year."

The three-story addition is located on the south side of the Sauder Heritage Inn where previously there were 35 guest rooms and three meeting rooms available for rent. The expansion utilizes the spacious, timber-frame lobby of the current Inn as a check-in area and guests are invited to relax near the fireplace in the lobby. Guests continue to enjoy an upscale, continental breakfast each morning featuring baked goods made at the adjacent Doughbox Bakery. Free, high-speed Internet access is available in all guest rooms and meeting rooms at the Inn and the new rooms also have this amenity as well.

Work on the $8 million expansion began in November (2005) and the expected timeframe for completion of the project was 12 months. It was anticipated that rooms in the new addition will be available for bookings by Thanksgiving of 2006 and this goal was reached.

This expansion to the Inn is an important way to financially sustain the educational mission of the non-profit Historic Village, Ohio's largest living-history village. All business areas of Sauder Village help support the goal of the Historic Village... to bring history to life while creating memorable experiences for all ages. "We expect the Inn expansion to have a positive economic impact not only for Sauder Village but for our local area as well," Debbie David added. "With additional rooms and extra amenities, even more guests will be able to enjoy Sauder Village and spend more time in the surrounding communities."

Sauder Heritage Inn Expansion Details...

What does the Expansion to the Sauder Heritage Inn include?

• 64 guest rooms... a combination of queen/queen and king rooms
• Indoor pool with natural rock features, a waterfall and a hot tub
• Expanded exercise room and game room
• "Great Oak Tree" with gathering space under the tree

Where is the expansion in relationship to the current Inn?

The Inn expansion is located on the south side of the existing Inn and has been designed to compliment the look and feel of the current facility. The expansion utilizes the spacious, timber-frame lobby of the current Inn as a check-in area.

What is the "Great Oak Tree"?

A focal point of the Inn expansion is a 25 foot tall "Oak Tree" with a 35 foot canopy and a trunk 4 feet in diameter. The replica tree was designed and built in Carlsbad, California by NatureMaker, originator of the "steel art tree". The tree was brought to Ohio in sections and was installed onsite once the Inn construction neared completion. The area around the "Great Oak Tree" is an ideal gathering place for guests of all ages to visit, relax, play a game or read a good book. The tables under the tree allow this comfortable space to also be used for breakfast each morning.

What makes this pool so unique?

The pool area has a very natural look with soft rock features, seating around the edge of the pool and a waterfall that create a fun and relaxing ambiance.

What is the cost of this project?

The expected cost of the Inn expansion project is $8 million and the new construction is financed through a bank loan.

Who will be handling the construction project?

Rupp/Rosebrock, a local contractor from Liberty Center, was chosen as the general contractor for this project.

What is the timeframe of this project?

Work began early in November (2005) on the Inn expansion project. The plan was to get much of the exterior work started before inclement weather hit in the winter. The expected timeframe for completion of the project was 12 months. It was anticipated that rooms in the new addition be available for bookings by Thanksgiving of 2006 and that goal was reached.

Why did you add more guest rooms and additional amenities?

Additional guest rooms allow the Inn to accommodate the many guests who previously were turned away due to the limited number of  rooms. The expanded Inn with an indoor pool and unique gathering space under the "Great Oak Tree" allow Sauder Village to be recognized as a year-round destination in Northwest Ohio with ample space to host more conferences, group tours, retreats, workshops and family gatherings.

What was the size of the previous expanse of the Inn?

Previously, there were 35 guest rooms and three meeting rooms available for rent at the Sauder Heritage Inn. Inn guests continue to enjoy an upscale, continental breakfast each morning featuring baked goods made at the adjacent Doughbox Bakery. Free, high-speed Internet access available in all guest rooms and meeting rooms previously at the Inn are also an amenity in the new rooms as well.

What impact will this expansion have on the Historic Village?

The expansion to the Inn is an important way to financially sustain the educational mission of the non-profit Historic Village, Ohio's largest living-history village. All business areas of Sauder Village help support the goal of the Historic Village... to bring history to life while creating memorable experiences for all ages. The Inn expansion is expected to have a positive economic impact for Sauder Village and the surrounding communities.

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View the progress photos of the Inn expansion... from beginning to finish.

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