History of the The Broadmoor Resort in Colorado Springs

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 Architectual 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 Pike Peak Camping & Mountain Trails Association is formed

Spencer Penrose purchases Camp Vigil (now Emerald Valley) from the Girl Scouts and forms “Pike Peak Camping & Mountain Trails Association” creating a subscription membership club. Included in the club were Claude Boettcher, Carl Pforzheimer and Henry Blackmer.

1923 Construction of New Greenhouse

A new greenhouse is under construction, one of the few in the west that will feature a palm nursery capable of producing large numbers of plants.

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 New 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 lobby

The escalator between the lobby and mezzanine floor was installed to improve service between the two areas.

1956 Julie Penrose's 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.

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)

2003 The last day of the Broadmoor Greenhouse

The last day of operation for Broadmoor Greenhouse. The greenhouse was originally independently owned and operated by William Foster. Spencer Penrose bought it in 1917. It was enlarged in 1926 and again in 1985 to provide over 8,000 square feet. It was demolished to accommodate the construction of Broadmoor Hall.

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 A return to design and a reopening on the Golf Courses

The East Golf Course is returned to the original 1918 bunker design of legendary course designer Donald Ross. In May of 2005, the Golf Club Dining Room (formerly called Stratta’s) reopened, adding a wonderful new outdoor dining experience for guests and club members focusing on casual dining in a family-oriented atmosphere.

2005 The Opening of the 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

BROADMOOR Brownstones, 19 private residences, open in October, across from the Golf Club.

2006 The Opening of the Summit Restaurant

The Broadmoor’s new restaurant the “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 BROADMOOR 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 received the Forbes Five Star rating for its 50th consecutive year. The BROADMOOR received the AAA Five-Diamond rating for its 34th consecutive year. The Penrose Room and the Spa at The BROADMOOR each received their first Five Star rating in 2010. Conde Nast Traveler named The BROADMOOR as #1 in the West for Golf.

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 BROADMOOR’s 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 purchased “Seven Falls” scenic attraction from the Hill family. A total renovation was completed and the addition of Restaurant 1858, Soaring Adventure zip-lining experience and are now providing 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.

Broadmoor Historical Timeline