Meeting Spaces Overhauled to Meet IACC Guidelines; Public Spaces Focus on Comfort, Convenience
GALENA, Ill. (Mar. 26, 2014) - Management at the renowned Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa (www.eagleridge.com) in Galena, Ill., today announced plans for a renovation which will effect almost all the public areas of the property, from the thousands of square feet of conference space to the golfing greens.
“We’re continuing the tradition of Eagle Ridge excellence with this renovation,” said Thomas Ruhs, general manager, Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa. “It’s time for an update that will modernize the resort for the vacationers, corporate groups and golfers who have made Eagle Ridge a Midwest destination for more than 35 years.”
The centerpiece of the renovation will be the 15,000 square feet of meeting space, which a portion will be built to standards specified by the International Association of Conference Centers (IACC). These guidelines, followed by the best meeting facilities in the world, are the basis for the Eagle Ridge renovation, which will include a dedicated conference center, specially designated food and beverage service and facilities, carefully calibrated acoustics and lighting, ergonomic furniture, and state-of-the-art technology, ranging from high-speed wireless Internet to built-in video systems for presentations and videoconferences.
In addition to the conference center, the entire lobby and public area, from the dramatic porte cochere at the property’s entrance through the dining room will be modernized with upscale flooring, lighting, wall color and furniture to create a comfortable gathering space to eat, drink and socialize around the Eagle Ridge lobby fireplace. An entirely new front desk will feature check-in pods for guests.
The excellent dining options at Eagle Ridge will also be enhanced. The Woodlands Restaurant will be updated with modern paint, furniture and flooring as well as state-of-the-art equipment. Spikes Bar and Grill, the clubhouse restaurant, will undergo a concept change to become a more community-centered, family-friendly, upscale but casual dining destination. A new name for Spikes will be announced at a future date.
The hotel interior isn’t the only area getting a makeover. Reagan Davis, the new golf director at Eagle Ridge, is overseeing the restoration of the 63 holes spanning four championship courses. Davis, a 22-year PGA professional, is an avid golf historian and is excited to reinstate the original course design, which incorporates the natural landscape of rolling hills and woodlands of the Galena Territory. The transformed courses will be ready for the 2014 season and make for a world-class, challenging and rewarding round of golf.
Eagle Ridge will be open during all renovations, and the renovation is slated to be completed by the end of spring 2014. Currently a base for winter activities ranging from cross-country skiing to sledding and ice skating, Eagle Ridge is located just 15 minutes from one of Illinois’ top downhill ski and snowboarding areas. Guests can also enjoy the heated indoor pool or relax at the luxurious Stonedrift Spa.
Vacation and group meeting packages are always available. Guests can visit www.eagleridge.com to view current packages and make reservations, or call (800) 892-2269.