Omni Homestead renovation continues

The $140+ million investment into The Omni Homestead Resort, which began with facade improvements last fall, has now moved to the interior with the renovations to the historic West Wing. While the exterior work by Complete Property Services continues, HITT Contracting, one of the largest commercial general contractors in the United States, is the construction firm of record for the far-reaching project.

“Without a doubt, this is the most significant investment in this resort in more than 100 years,” said The Omni Homestead Resort Managing Director Mark Spadoni. “What’s especially notable is that by carefully scheduling the work wing by wing, we are able to remain open with minimal impact to our guests and ensuring employment for our hundreds of associates. Conducting this level of work, while still being fully operational, is something that HITT’s team is not only accustomed to but excels at.”

HITT’s dedicated hospitality construction team, led by SVP Peter Lanfranchi, will restore and revitalize the guestrooms, public spaces, meeting rooms and restaurants throughout the iconic resort.

“It’s an honor for HITT to be trusted with restoring the interiors of The Omni Homestead Resort. Our project team has created a precise and focused phased plan for renovations that allow for the resort to safely remain open and minimize any impact to guests and staff. As experts in historic hotel and resort construction, we understand The Homestead is a one-of-a-kind property, and we’re excited to help renew the resort, with our design and subcontractor partners, so that locals and visitors alike, can experience and enjoy for years to come,” said Lanfranchi.

The Homestead’s rich history, which spans more than two and a half centuries, along with the natural beauty of the Virginia mountains, provided the inspiration for the designs. WATG, one of the world’s leading multidisciplinary design firms, and their interiors studio, Wimberly Interiors, collaborated with the Omni Hotels and Resorts’ design team to honor the resort’s legacy and carry it into the future.

The five over-arching keywords for the project are “traditional, lightness, residential, sophisticated and iconic,” added Spadoni. “The attention to detail, from the sculpted carpeting in the Great Hall to the thoughtfully coordinated color and decor themes for each guest wing, is quite remarkable.”

Highlights of the interior work:

Guestrooms

Tailored comfort designed to be both delightful and restful is the theme for the 483 renovated guestrooms. Each wing will feature a distinct color palette that flows from the corridors into the guestrooms and exquisite floral patterns along with uniquely Homestead touches, accent the decor.

Great Hall

The heart of The Homestead, the Great Hall is timeless and traditional, cozy and charming. The custom-designed carpet, with a nod to the flora and fauna of the Allegheny Mountains, is accented with the trim of classic hardwood floors. Elegant up lighting enhances the welcoming ambiance and whimsical touches in this iconic setting.

Meeting rooms

Each of the resort’s 28 meeting rooms will be refreshed with a focus on architectural details and advanced functionality. Improvements from lighting fixtures and acoustic ceiling tiles to new carpeting and refinished hardwood floors will create a light, sophisticated retreat for meetings and events.

Theater

This 1923 addition to the resort receives a classic, yet modern update with the viewing area converted from theater seats to comfortable sofa settees, lounge chairs and side tables ideal for a variety of events from movie nights to magic shows. New audio-video technology allows for the transformation of the projection booth into an elegant, signature cocktail bar.

Pioneer Picnic

Conveniently located in the Casino building, Pioneer Picnic provides a new, fast-casual, family-friendly dining experience that honors the cuisine of the region. The wrap-around porch and grand lawn invite guests to dine outside, surrounded by mountain views.

Martha’s Market

Sunny, light and bright describe the new bistro-style look and feel of Martha’s Market, the resort’s popular, all-day outlet. Signature coffees, grab-and-go snacks and sandwiches and an ice cream display are highlighted by the improved efficiency and convenience of the design which flows seamlessly into the adjoining Washington Library.

Lobby Bar

Home to a portrait collection of the resort’s presidential guests, the Lobby Bar expands into the Georgian Room. The bourbon and brandy color palette creates a distinguished setting for enjoying top tier spirits, fine wines and even a game of pool.