Grand View Lodge, Spa and Golf Resort in Nisswa, Minn., is set to become the state's largest resort with the May 2019 debut of a 60-room boutique hotel, bringing the total number of accommodations to 269 cottages, vacation homes and hotel guestrooms, which can accommodate as many as 1,500 guests. Additionally, two new real estate developments are already underway and will soon begin welcoming owners and overnight guests. As part of the property’s overall expansion plan, Grand View will also unveil a new wedding chapel and recreation center and is expanding its spa facilities.
Beginning development this spring with plans to open in time for peak season summer visitors in 2019, the 60-room boutique hotel will be named North. This new building is located close to the main lodge and hub of activities. The hotel is designed by local architect Nor-Son, which is based in nearby Brainerd, with interiors by Looney and Associates. The design is an urban take on the traditional guest lodge and is a departure from the current cabin-style accommodations available at Grand View. The hotel will also include a 5,000-square-foot conference room and breakfast area.
The spa is also expanding with eight new treatment rooms, bringing the total to 19, as well as a year-round outdoor Japanese soaking pool, expanded women’s locker room and a new relaxation area. The resort will soon offer additional amenities and new services to accommodate even more guests and bridal parties.
Construction of a 1,200-square-foot wedding chapel is already underway, and it will be the first new building to open to guests as part of the expansion project, set for a July 2018 debut. The chapel is designed for ceremonies of up to 75 people.
“It has been an honor being a part of the Grand View Lodge team and seeing its evolution over the past 40 years,” Mark Ronnei, the resort's GM, said in a statement. “When we celebrated the 100th anniversary in 2016, we started thinking about what lies ahead and how we can ensure the property’s success for another century. These new facilities and amenities will do just that.”
A new recreation center is tracking for an early 2019 opening and will bring new activities to the already robust programming available at Grand View. The facility will include indoor and outdoor pools, a cornhole stadium, sand volleyball courts, ice skating rinks, a basketball court, children’s activity area, mini golf course, lawn bowling and courts for croquet, pickle ball and tennis. The new building will also house a fitness center and yoga studio, snack bar, children’s programming, bike programming and Garden Golf Pro Shop.
Two distinct new residential communities are already underway at Grand View: Fairway Pines and the Garden Cottages. All homes within these communities will be included in the rental program for overnight guests to enjoy. The Fairway Pines neighborhood, which has completed construction on several homes, will include a selection of 20 craftsman-style two-, three- and four-bedroom homes. All Fairway Pines homes have golf course views of the award-winning Pines Golf Course. The neighborhood will also feature an outdoor pool, a 100-yard putting course and other amenities fit for the whole family. The neighborhood homes back up against cross-country ski trails in the winter. The Garden Course Cottages neighborhood includes luxury craftsman-style vacation homes, with a total of 21 four-bedroom properties, perfect for larger groups of family and friends. This park community offers owners open-air space with close proximity to the natural wildlife.
Grand View Lodge is owned by Cote Family Destinations.
“We are so excited for this significant development and expansion as we continue to evolve this iconic property into a full-service resort with even more experiences and accommodation types for our guests,” Tom Juliano, CEO of Cote Family Destinations, said in a statement. “We are reinvesting across the entire Cote Family Destinations portfolio in what will be an exciting year of growth for the company, setting it up for another 100 years of success.”