GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK
Grand Canyon Lodge (1927-1928; rebuilt 1936-1937)
Considered the undisputed master of the 'grand statement' Underwood's
design of the Grand Canyon Lodge was spectacular. The intent was to provide
impressive public spaces - guest rooms were never intended to be part of the
lodge, as overnight visitors would stay in adjacent cabins.
The design began in 1927, with the first guest welcomed in June 19028. The
rim side was constructed of battered and buttressed rubble masonry. Kaibab
limestone in the foundations, walls and piers tied the building to the canyon
walls, sometimes appearing as natural extensions of the outcroppings.
Low-pitched, shingled hip and shed roofs of intersecting gables broken up by
shed and gable dormers were stained dark green to match the surrounding pinon
forests.
A fire tragically destroyed most of the original lodge and several
adjacent deluxe cabins in 1932. Although Underwood was not involved in the
rebuilding of the lodge, the new lodge stayed true to Underwood's original
design, albeit the design was muted somewhat.27
Photograph by Laura Soulliere.
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