The Broadmoor Historical Timeline, From 1865 to Present.
Spencer Penrose is Born
1865
Count Pourtales partners with Broadmoor Dairy
1885
Count Pourtales formed the Broadmoor Land
1890
Broadmoor Casino burns down
1897
Julie Penrose's first husband dies
1902
Spencer Penrose Marries
1906
Spencer Penrose buys El Pomar estate
1916
Refusal of the antlers purchase
1916
Spencer penrose purchases the broadmoor
1916
announcement of a designed golf course
1916
architectural plans of the broadmoor are received
1917
private opening with a guest celebrity
1918
the broadmoor hotel formally opens
1918
the first golf course opens
1918
copyright for the broadmoor's name
1918
the pauline chapel is formally dedicated
1919
maxfield parrish's painting agreement
1919
the painting's arrival
1921
pikes peak camping & mountain trails association is formed
1923
cheyenne mountain road to summit construction begins
1924
the original cheyenne mountain lodge opens
1926
The original riding academy opens
1930
announcement for improvements to the hotel
1936
the will rogers shrine of the sun is dedicated
1937
construction of a stadium is announced
1937
conversion of the riding area begins
1938
gift of the cheyenne mountain zoo
1938
the death of spencer penrose
1939
the gift of camp vigil
1942
The completion of two wings
1947
the first year round swimming pool opens
1948
Newly designed dining area in the tavern opens
1953
an escalator is installed in the lobby
1953
julie penrose dies
1956
ski broadmoor is dedicated
1959
The broadmoor earns 5 star award
1960
the opening of the golden bee
1961
the closing of the indoor pool
1961
the opening of the south tower building
1961
Penrose room opens
1961
Remodel of the lobby begins
1963
the will rogers penrose stadium is torn down
1973
ceremony for the west building begins
1974
the broadmoor earns AAA five-diamond award
1976
the colorado hall opens
1982
the hotel is sold to edward gaylord
1988
The world arena is torn down
1994
new additions to the broadmoor
1994
changes to the world arena and a new opening
1995
a new walking bridge connects the east and west
1996
renovations and remodeling at the west building
2000
cheyenne lake gets addition of new water complex
2001
completion of new 21 room lakeside suites
2001
broadmoor main closes again for renovations
2001
broadmoor main building opens again
2002
Cheyenne lodge opens
2002
nicklaus design will renovate mountain course
2003
oklahoma publishing company purchases remaining interest
2004
expansion of the spa at the broadmoor
2004
the opening of broadmoor hall
2005
the broadmoor brownstones open
2005
The opening of summit restaurant
2006
The broadmoor west residences open
2006
the broadmoor south tower and penrose room renovations are completed
2006
AAA five diamond award for the penrose room
2007
construction of the broadmoor cottages begins
2008
opening of the broadmoor cottages
2009
the broadmoor's high ratings continue
2010
anschutz corporation of denver purchases the broadmoor
2011
major renovations to the broadmoor
2011
renovations to the southlake building
2012
reimagining our restaurants - LA Taverne
2013
play at the broadmoor
2013
Golden bee upstairs patio addition
2013
reimagining of broadmoor west
2014
reimagining of broadmoor west - new lobby
2014
reimagining of broadmoor west - Ristorante del lago
2014
reimagining of broadmoor west - Natural Epicurean
2014
cloud camp opens
2014
The ranch at emerald valley opens
2014
seven falls opens
2015
the overlook at cloud camp opens
2015
the fly fishing camp opens
2015
the broadmoor estate house opens
2016
the broadmoor sea island company forms
2016
the broadmoor centennial celebration
2018
the broadmoor hosts the 2018 U.s. senior open
2018
opening of bartolin hall
2020
pikes peak cog railway reopens
2021
1865 -
Spencer Penrose is Born
Spencer Penrose is born in Philadelphia to Richard and Sarah Penrose.
1885 -
Count Pourtales partners with Broadmoor Dairy
Prussian Count James Pourtales came west to seek romance and fortune, and brought his knowledge of German scientific farming to Colorado Springs. He began a partnership with William Wilcox’s Broadmoor Dairy.
1890 -
Count Pourtales formed the Broadmoor Land
Count Pourtales formed the Broadmoor Land and Investment Company, purchased the original 2,400-acre tract and constructed Cheyenne Lake to create an upper-class suburb of Colorado Springs with numerous amenities to include a Casino.
1897 -
Broadmoor Casino burns down
The original Broadmoor Casino totally burned down. The casino was replaced within a year with a less grand structure.
1902 -
Julie Penrose's first husband dies
Julie Penrose’s first husband, James MacMillan, dies from complications of tuberculosis.
1906 -
Spencer Penrose Marries
Spencer Penrose and Julie Villiers Lewis McMillan are married in London.
1916 -
Spencer Penrose buys El Pomar estate
Spencer Penrose buys El Pomar estate from Grace Goodyear Potter.
1916 -
Refusal of the antlers purchase
Spencer Penrose and partner Charles MacNeill offer to buy the Antlers for $125,000, but the offer is refused.
1916 -
Spencer penrose purchases the broadmoor
Spencer Penrose purchased the 40-acre site of The Broadmoor Casino and Hotel and adjoining 450 acres for $90,000 from the Stratton estate.
1916 -
announcement of a designed golf course
Spencer Penrose announces that a golf course to be professionally designed by Donald Ross will be part of the new hotel.
1917 -
architectural plans of the broadmoor are received
The plans for the Broadmoor hotel are received from the architectural firm of Warren & Wetmore for the approval of Spencer Penrose.
1918 -
private opening with a guest celebrity
At the private opening of the hotel 400 guests dance from 7:30 pm till midnight to the sounds of the Boxhorn Orchestra. John D. Rockefeller is to be the first celebrity guest, though paint fumes cause him to move to the Antlers to sleep.
1918 -
the broadmoor hotel formally opens
The Broadmoor Hotel formally opens its doors to Colorado society with a dinner and dance that draws hundreds.
1918 -
the first golf course opens
The first golf course at The Broadmoor opened on July 4, 1918 when the first important golf match to be held in Colorado Springs was played on the new course. That match was a fund raiser for Red Cross.
1918 -
copyright for the broadmoor's name
Copyright registration of the little raised "A" is completed. The raised "A" in The Broadmoor’s name came about in order to render the name unique, since the name Broadmoor had been in use since the late 1800's and therefore could not be copyrighted.
1919 -
the pauline chapel is formally dedicated
The Pauline Chapel is formally dedicated by Denver Bishop, Henry Tihen and Monsignor Joseph Bosetti.
1919 -
maxfield parrish's painting agreement
In a letter to Maxfield Parrish, Spencer Penrose outlines an agreement to paint a picture of hotel. Penrose asked Parrish to paint an idealized version of the hotel placing the hotel on the opposite side of the lake showing its best features all integrated into one view.
1921 -
the painting's arrival
A letter from Spencer Penrose to Maxfield Parrish acknowledges that his painting of the hotel arrived safely. Parish was paid $2,000 dollars for the painting and $100 in expenses.
1923 -
pikes peak camping & mountain trails association is formed
Spencer Penrose purchases Camp Vigil (now Emerald Valley) from the Girl Scouts and forms “Pikes Peak Camping & Mountain Trails Association” creating a subscription membership club. Included in the club were Claude Boettcher, Carl Pforzheimer and Henry Blackmer.
1924 -
cheyenne mountain road to summit construction begins
Construction begins on Cheyenne Mountain Road to summit. The cost for construction was $350,000. The 7 mile long Cheyenne Mountain Highway, named the Wonder Road was a feat of engineering skill. Constructed at a cost of $400,000 the 7 mile length is encompassed within a 1 ¼ sq. mile area and rises over 3,000 feet from an elevation of 6,500 feet at the start to 9,560 feet at the summit. It was featured in “Ripley’s Believe It or Not” as the most crooked highway up the steepest mountain.
1926 -
the original cheyenne mountain lodge opens
The original Cheyenne Mountain Lodge, built by Spencer Penrose, was located above the Shrine of the Sun at the summit of Cheyenne Mountain When it opened it featured a restaurant, dance floor, curio shop and 4 rooms for rent. It was closed in 1961.The road was closed above the Shrine in 1968. The building was subsequently demolished in 1976.
1930 -
The original riding academy opens
The original “Riding Academy” is opened and dedicated. The academy was converted to the ice arena in 1938
1936 -
announcement for improvements to the hotel
Spencer Penrose announces improvements for the hotel to include a new dining area, grillroom (later it will become the Tavern), drugstore with fountain and rearrangement of the offices.
1937 -
the will rogers shrine of the sun is dedicated
The Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun is dedicated on Cheyenne Mountain. Early plans were for the tower to simply be the final resting place of Spencer Penrose. Penrose later changed the name in honor of Will Rogers, who died in a plane crash shortly before the shrine was completed.
1937 -
construction of a stadium is announced
Spencer Penrose announces the construction of a stadium to be used for outdoor sports and the Colorado Springs Rodeo. This stadium originally stood were West is today. It was torn down in 1976.
1938 -
conversion of the riding area begins
Construction begins on the conversion of the riding arena to a new Ice Palace for skating.
1938 -
gift of the cheyenne mountain zoo
Spencer Penrose announces the gift of Cheyenne Mountain Zoo to the city of Colorado Springs at the 2nd Annual Will Rogers Rodeo (later The Pikes Pike or Bust Rodeo) held at the new “Will Rogers Stadium”.
1939 -
the death of spencer penrose
Spencer Penrose died at 74 years old at his home, El Pomar. The Gazette –Telegraph newspaper lamented the loss of the Pikes Peak region’s “greatest builder and benefactor of the last quarter century”.
1942 -
the gift of camp vigil
Pikes Peak Camping and Mountain Trails Association gives Camp Vigil (Emerald Valley), owned by the late Spencer Penrose, to the community as a gift to be operated for youth agencies.
1947 -
The completion of two wings
The NorthEastmoor and Southeastmoor wings are completed.
1948 -
the first year round swimming pool opens
The first year round outdoor swimming pool was opened. This outdoor pool was removed in 2000 to make way for the new Lakeside suites and infinity pool.
1953 -
Newly designed dining area in the tavern opens
A beautiful new dining area in the Tavern featuring a modernized version of ancient Mayan designs is open. The “Mask Panels” consisting of a pair of eyes and an elephant-like snout, as well as entwining serpents and a basket weave are the predominant designs.
1953 -
an escalator is installed in the lobby
The escalator between the lobby and mezzanine floor was installed to improve service between the two areas.
1956 -
julie penrose dies
Julie Penrose dies at the age of 85. She is buried next to her husband, Spencer Penrose, at the Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun.
1959 -
ski broadmoor is dedicated
Ski Broadmoor is dedicated. It is a pioneer of innovation, boasting lights for night skiing and a $200,000 snow making machine known as the “Phenomenal Snowman”, the first of its kind west of the Mississippi. A double chair lift can carry 600 people an hour.
1960 -
The broadmoor earns 5 star award
It is announced that The Broadmoor earns the 5 Star Award for the first time.
1961 -
the opening of the golden bee
The Golden Bee opens to the public. The interior is of solid African mahogany and was shipped in pieces to the hotel.
1961 -
the closing of the indoor pool
The Indoor Pool closes. When opened in 1918, its 35 x 80 ft. made it the largest indoor pool in the West. Private dressing rooms were provided for both men and women, and a professional swimming teacher was always on duty
1961 -
the opening of the south tower building
The South tower building opens rooms to its first 150 guests.
1961 -
Penrose room opens
Penrose Room opens
1963 -
Remodel of the lobby begins
Remodel of lobby is begun to accommodate the expansion of Drugstore, front desk, and include a manager’s office. Steel columns will be placed in the bed of the pool to support new flooring above which would become the site of the relocated Drugstore. Today the blue and white ceramic tile pool still exists under the floor of Expresso, the Signature shop and Cheyenne Gourmet.
1973 -
the will rogers penrose stadium is torn down
The Will Rogers Penrose Stadium is torn down to begin construction of the new West building.
1974 -
ceremony for the west building begins
A ground breaking ceremony is held for the beginning of construction on the original West building.
1976 -
the broadmoor earns AAA five-diamond award
It is announced that The Broadmoor earns the AAA Five-Diamond Award for the first time.
1982 -
the colorado hall opens
Colorado Hall containing 18,000 sq. ft. of meeting and exhibit space is opened. The new addition enables the Broadmoor to offer convention groups over 100,000 sq. ft. of space providing the most modern function area of any resort in the world.
1988 -
the hotel is sold to edward gaylord
Hotel is sold to Edward Gaylord, Oklahoma Publishing.
1994 -
The world arena is torn down
The World Arena, formally the Ice Palace, built in 1938 is torn down to make way for the new Broadmoor West Tower.
1994 -
new additions to the broadmoor
The Broadmoor adds new Golf, Spa and Tennis facility and Rocky Mountain Ballroom.
1995 -
changes to the world arena and a new opening
West Tower replaces former Broadmoor World Arena skating facility, which moves 3 miles east and is now the Colorado Springs World Arena and Ice Hall. the new Broadmoor Spa, Golf and Tennis Club is opened.
1996 -
a new walking bridge connects the east and west
Walking bridge spanning the lake and connecting the east and west sides of The Broadmoor complex is added.
2000 -
renovations and remodeling at the west building
The BROADMOOR West building, including Charles Court restaurant, is renovated and remodeled.
2001 -
cheyenne lake gets addition of new water complex
A new water complex is added to the north end of Cheyenne Lake including a zero-entry infinity swimming pool, mountain-like water slides, two 14-person hot tubs, private cabanas and a seasonal pool café.
2001 -
completion of new 21 room lakeside suites
The new 21-room Lakeside Suites building is completed on the site of the old Main pool. Most suites have gas fireplaces and unobstructed views of the lake and mountains.
2001 -
broadmoor main closes again for renovations
BROADMOOR Main is closed for the second time in history to undergo major renovations.
2002 -
broadmoor main building opens again
BROADMOOR Main Building opens after a total restoration and renovation. Original artwork is restored on ceilings and walls; two guest elevators are added; rooms are redesigned with five-fixture baths and a host of state-of-the-art services and amenities.
2002 -
Cheyenne lodge opens
Former Mountain Course club building reopens as Cheyenne Lodge with spectacular vistas for private functions.
2003 -
nicklaus design will renovate mountain course
Nicklaus Design chosen for renovation of Mountain course (formally South)
2004 -
oklahoma publishing company purchases remaining interest
Oklahoma Publishing Company purchases the remaining interest to become a sole proprietorship. purchases the remaining interest to become a sole proprietorship.
2004 -
expansion of the spa at the broadmoor
The Spa at The BROADMOOR is expanded to 43,000 sq ft. with the addition of 10 new treatment rooms, two exclusive water treatments, the Serenity Shower and the Tranquility Tub, and a total redesign of the existing space, all created by master architect TAG Galyean.
2005 -
the opening of broadmoor hall
Broadmoor Hall opened in October 2005, adding a 60,000 sq. ft. pillar-less and fully carpeted ballroom capable of holding up to 6,550 people theater-style. Underground parking is added to the Hall, holding 950 vehicles.
2005 -
the broadmoor brownstones open
The Brownstones, 19 private residences, open in October, across from the Golf Club.
2006 -
The opening of summit restaurant
The Broadmoor’s new restaurant Summit, designed by internationally renowned architect Adam D. Tihany, hosts its VIP grand opening at 7:00pm.
2006 -
The broadmoor west residences open
Broadmoor West Residences, located along the second fairway of the West Course, open in the spring. These 33 units are privately owned and feature many hotel amenities as part of the purchase.
2006 -
the broadmoor south tower and penrose room renovations are completed
Renovation of Broadmoor South Tower and Penrose Room is completed in May. Features include all new rooms, many with balconies and “Juliet” balconies, flat screen TVs, and state-of-the-art control panels for everything from lights to curtains. Eight additional retail shops open in May, bringing the total of specialty stores and boutiques to 25.
2007 -
AAA five diamond award for the penrose room
It is announced that the Penrose Room wins the AAA five diamond award for 2008. This is the first restaurant in Colorado to receive this award.
2008 -
construction of the broadmoor cottages begins
Construction of The Cottages begins in August. Situated along the 18th fairway of the East Golf Course, five 8-bedroom and one 4-bedroom cottages are planned.
2009 -
opening of the broadmoor cottages
Broadmoor Cottages open May 8. The Cottages bring the total accommodation space to 744 units, including 107 suites and 44 cottage bedrooms.
2010 -
the broadmoor's high ratings continue
The Broadmoor receives Forbes Five-Star ratings for its 50th consecutive year, and the AAA Five-Diamond rating for the 34th consecutive year. The Penrose Room and the Spa at The Broadmoor each received their first Five Star rating.
2011 -
anschutz corporation of denver purchases the broadmoor
Anschutz Corporation of Denver purchases all businesses of Oklahoma Publishing, including The Broadmoor. Mr. Philip Anschutz becomes only the third owner in the resort’s 93 year history.
2011 -
major renovations to the broadmoor
Southeastmoor and Northeastmoor undergo major renovations to the exterior, guest rooms, and public areas. The Broadmoor's specialty retail shops expand yet again with the opening of the Children's Shop in July and the Christmas Shop in late fall.
2012 -
renovations to the southlake building
Southlake building, part of the original Broadmoor Hotel, remodeled and improved, adding balconies and enhancements to all rooms and suites.
2013 -
reimagining our restaurants - LA Taverne
The Tavern restaurant changed its name to La Taverne and introduced an impressive new European-style conservatory atrium called Le Jardin, along with a new design for the former Mayan Room, now called Entre Deux. Both pay homage to the original intent of the Tavern which was to display the lithographs and posters of Toulouse Lautrec.
2013 -
play at the broadmoor
A variety of renovations were completed in April 2013, including a new restaurant in Broadmoor West called “PLAY,” that includes not only a unique twist to traditional bowling food, but also sports six lanes of bowling. This is the perfect addition for family fun and high energy entertainment.
2013 -
Golden bee upstairs patio addition
The Golden Bee pub, a popular dining destination for locals and guests, was expanded, doubling the interior capacity while adding a new, tented rooftop garden with food and beverage service. The expansion also includes a new façade that mirrors the traditional 19th century pubs of Great Britain.
2014 -
reimagining of broadmoor west
A three-story addition to the Broadmoor West building adds 31 guestrooms and suites, bringing The Broadmoor’s total guestroom count to 779. All rooms and suites feature new five-fixture marble baths, lighting, and furnishings. The Broadmoor’s new Parker Suite features four bedrooms and views of Cheyenne Mountain, while amenities on the all-suite 7th floor include fireplaces, private terraces, and expansive views.
2014 -
reimagining of broadmoor west - new lobby
The Broadmoor West lobby is completely redone in cherry wood, along with stained glass skylights, marble floors, and detailed millwork, creating a refined appearance that harmonizes with the rest of the property’s interior façade, while the entry drive and porte-cochere of Broadmoor West is transformed with Greek mythological sculptures and intricately painted ceiling art.
2014 -
reimagining of broadmoor west - Ristorante del lago
Ristorante del Lago, an Adam D. Tihany - designed Italian restaurant replaces Charles Court. Inspired by the classic villas of Lake Como, the restaurant features authentic Italian cuisine with a focus on regional specialties. Bar del Lago replaces West Lobby Bar. Exposed wooden beams, an indoor / outdoor fireplace, and a patio overlooking Cheyenne Lake create a modern, sophisticated atmosphere.
2014 -
reimagining of broadmoor west - Natural Epicurean
Natural Epicurean opens in an expanded area that formerly housed Café Julie. The restaurant is conceived on four words: Healthy, Wholesome, Organic, and Natural, and features sustainable hardwood floors, and classic butcher block tables, along with an enlarged outdoor seating area overlooking the mountains.
2014 -
cloud camp opens
3,000 feet above the resort atop Cheyenne Mountain, Cloud Camp opens on the site of Spencer Penrose’s original 1927 Cheyenne Lodge. The Main Lodge features a panoramic dining area, two stone fireplaces and an expansive timber wrap-around deck, and seven guestrooms, including a Honeymoon Suite. Eleven cabins offer single room accommodations, ones with lofts and also two bedrooms. A Fire Tower Suite 300 feet above the Main Lodge boasts 360o views.
2014 -
The ranch at emerald valley opens
This all-inclusive enclave is located approximately eight miles from the main campus along Old Stage Road and borders the edge of the Pike National Forest. Ten beautifully restored and luxuriously appointed cabins feature gas fireplaces and private decks. The Main Lodge is for dining and relaxing. It features a historic Western bar, stone fireplace and a deck that overlooks the lakes. Activities include hiking, fly fishing, mountain biking, canoeing, archery and other daily activities.
2015 -
seven falls opens
Mr. Philip Anschutz and The Broadmoor agree to purchase “Seven Falls” scenic attraction from the Hill family. A total renovation was completed and the addition of Restaurant 1858 and Soaring Adventure zip-lining experience now provide complimentary shuttle service to the falls from The Broadmoor.
2015 -
the overlook at cloud camp opens
Cloud Camp adds Overlook, a 1500 sq. ft. building designed to accommodate receptions, small meetings and small destination weddings. The views look towards Pikes Peak and up the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains, and to the east all the way to the Kansas border on a clear day.
2015 -
the fly fishing camp opens
Located just 75 minutes into the mountains west of the resort, the all-inclusive Fly Fishing Camp features seven rustic yet well-appointed cabins originally built in the 1920s, an expansive new and beautifully appointed bath house, a Fish House overlooking the Tarryall River, and a main lodge where guests relax and dine. Five miles of private waters offer guests of all levels some of the best fly fishing in Colorado guided by Broadmoor’s best professional anglers.
2016 -
the broadmoor estate house opens
This breathtaking 12,000-square-foot historic residence has been entirely reimagined and outfitted in traditional Broadmoor style. The original house was designed by renowned architect Thomas MacLaren in the late 1920's, and then expanded into this exquisite 1930's sanctuary just steps from the Resort's campus.
2016 -
the broadmoor sea island company forms
The Broadmoor - Sea Island Company forms to head combined ownership of The Broadmoor and Sea Island Resorts.
2018 -
the broadmoor centennial celebration
The Broadmoor celebrates its Centennial with a year-long tribute to Spencer and Julie Penrose. In June, the hotel hosts a weekend of parties that includes a Prohibition theme and a gala dinner dance.
2018 -
the broadmoor hosts the 2018 U.s. senior open
The world's best competed for one of golf's greatest titles at The Broadmoor Golf Club, The U.S. Senior Open Championship. The 39th U.S. Senior Open was the eighth USGA Championship contested at the Broadmoor in its rich history.
2020 -
opening of bartolin hall
In 2020, The Broadmoor welcomed the new 125,000-square-foot Bartolin Hall, an addition to the existing Broadmoor Hall, International Center, and Colorado Hall, to form the "Convention Center at The Broadmoor."
2021 -
pikes peak cog railway reopens
The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway reopens in May after a three-year, $100 million rebuild. On June 30, hundreds of media members, city and state officials and other supporters made the trek up the 14,115-foot mountain to take part in a grand reopening celebration.
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