CDA Resort wraps up remodeling project

The Coeur d’Alene Resort will reopen its first floor to the public at noon today after a two-month remodel. The 35,000-square foot makeover includes new décor for the lobby and Dockside Restaurant, a larger fitness area and an expansion of Whispers, a bar and lounge. “We want people to feel like it’s a brand new place,” said architect Guy Dreier of Palm Desert, Calif. The remodel includes larger skylights to increase natural light, a 22,000-gallon Koi aquarium with imported fish from Japan, indoor plants, Italian tile and Brazilian granite. Conventions and meetings makes up about half of the business for the resort hotel on Lake Coeur d’Alene. “Our strategy is to improve the convention dimension,” said Jerry Jaeger, president and co-owner of Hagadone Hospitality. “We want to be among the first to emerge from this economic downturn.” Jaeger said that construction costs are about 20 to 25 percent less than they were four years ago, which made it an ideal time to undertake a multi-million remodeling project.