The Ahwahnee, Historic Structures Report

Architectural Resources Group

Architectural Resources Group (ARG) has prepared The Ahwahnee Historic Structures Report (HSR) to further the project goal of rehabilitating The Ahwahnee, presently operated by Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts at Yosemite, Inc. (DNC) and owned by the National Park Service (NPS). Produced in conjunction with The Ahwahnee Cultural Landscape Report (CLR) prepared by AECOM, this document will serve as an update to the existing HSR for The Ahwahnee completed in 1997. Th e HSR and the CLR for The Ahwahnee are complementary volumes, with diff erent focal points, although there will necessarily be some overlap of information. Both documents will be used to inform the development of a Comprehensive Rehabilitation Plan for The Ahwahnee, as well as to inform ongoing preservation and maintenance of the building. Because of its historic and architectural signifi cance, Th e Ahwahnee is one of the nation’s most acclaimed buildings. It is a designated National Historic Landmark (NHL), the highest level of federal designation, and a contributor to the Yosemite Valley Historic District. The 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. For example, the Dining Room is quite intact, whereas guest room fi nishes have been subjected to multiple modifi cations. Due to its relatively high level of integrity, consideration of the implications for future use is critical. Th is HSR evaluates the contributing buildings within The Ahwahnee Developed Area of the Yosemite Valley Historic District. The contents of this HSR comply with NPS Director’s Order 28: Cultural Resource Management Guideline, Chapter 8.