East Bay Suites, a three-story addition onto a historic Minnesota hotel, earned 2nd runner-up, light commercial in the 2006 ICF Builder Awards.

Connie Chisolm, a marketing manager at Reward Wall Systems, says, “This was a very sensitive project in Grand Marais.  Beloved by traveler for decades, East Bay Suites sits right on the shore of Lake Superior in the middle of town.”

The 12,000 sq. ft hotel, originally built in 1909, was extensively remodeled, and a 16,000 sq. ft addition was constructed alongside with Reward ICFs

Developers worked hard from the very beginning to ensure that the finished project would reflect the history and flavor of the original hotel.  And they succeeded.  “The renovation and new construction mirror the former footprint and architecture of the original property almost exactly,” says Chisolm.  “Even the primary entrance is in the same location.”

Chisolm continues, “What once was a building almost 100 years old with understandably poor insulation, weak windows, and high air infiltration is now a quiet, strong, and energy efficient property that can stand up to the extreme elements of Lake Superior.”

The new property has 31 units, an on-site restaurant, community room and a “hall of memories” with memorabilia from the area’s past.  The living spaces are luxuriously appointed, and have reportedly received rave reviews from critics who are accustomed to the log furniture and wildlife art that are traditionally used in the region.

“The East Bay Suites poject is important because it is symbolic or how redevelopment of important landmark properties can be positive,” notes Chisolm.  “This project is a great example of how ICFs can be easily utilized when designing or redeveloping landmark properties.  Marrying history and tradition with modern, energy-efficient building materials, it remains supported and celebrated by locals, owners, and guests alike.”