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Oregon Caves Chateau To Be Closed Until 2020 For Repairs

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Published Date

October 7, 2018
The Chateau at Oregon Caves National Monument is closed into 2020 for repairs/NPS

The Chateau at Oregon Caves National Monument is closed into 2020 for repairs/NPS

The Chateau at Oregon Caves National Monument will be closed for repairs until 2020, though ranger-led tours of the cave will continue as scheduled.

Repair and rehabilitation work has already started. The project is to address a number of life, health, safety, and accessibility concerns while retaining the historic integrity of the building. Work will continue throughout 2019 and possibly into 2020. 

Cave tours will be offered as usual through November 4, and will begin again in 2019 from March 23 through November 3. 

The Oregon Caves Chateau is a National Historic Landmark. Planning for the Chateau repair and rehabilitation project began 15 years ago. Safety issues addressed include an enhanced fire suppression system, increasing fire barriers and exit points, putting in alarms and emergency lighting, and reducing exposure to toxins.

The project is designed to increase accessibility with improved ramps, handrails, accessible restrooms, and the installation of an elevator for persons with mobility limitations. The building will also go through a seismic structural retrofitting. Alterations will respect the historical integrity and character of the National Historic Landmark, including rebuilding the historic balconies for visitors to enjoy the forest views. 

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Comments

Submitted by Lee Dalton on October 7, 2018 - 12:19pm.

I visited there a couple of years ago and had lunch at the Chalet.  It was a delightful place, but what struck me most was how it seemed to have been a place that had been patched together in a hodgepodge of jigsaw pieces.  Kind of like what a young kid might build with empty cardboard boxes.

Then as I looked around some, I realized that the building was a direct reflection of the topography upon which it was built and the time when it had been constructed.  

Although there were obvious problems with access and even safety, the idea of tearing it down or making radical changes would destroy the place.  I hope that whoever is tasked with getting the job done will be able to rise to the challenge and do it while preserving the unique character of the building. 


Submitted by Sue Densmore, Friends of the Oregon Caves and Chateau on October 7, 2018 - 1:23pm.

T Ihank you for your post.  Please be aware that you can all help make sure this restoration is done perfectly - by joining the Friends in their effort to prepare and implement the Historic Furnishings Plan and to restore and build back out the iconic collection of Monterey Furniture original to the Chateau. If you have Monterey Furniture to donate please get in touch with us.  The Freinds have gained support to re-create the balconies and will be assuring that the historic lighting is properly restored. 

You can all help by becoming a Friend -   www.FriendsOCAC.org   or following us on Facebook.  You can email me - Sue Densmore, Executive Director of the Friends of the Oregon Caves and Chateau at [email protected].    We will appreciate your concern, ideas and support for this magnificient National Historic Landmark Lodge. 

Sue 


Submitted by [email protected] on October 7, 2018 - 3:44pm.

 

Mark, Stephen R. Domain of the Cavemen: A Historic Resource Study of Oregon Caves National Monument. Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office, 2006.

 

https://oregonencyclopedia.org/articles/oregon_caves_national_monument/#...

 

https://www.historichotelslodges.com/2017/09/oregon-caves-chateau.html


Submitted by Sydnor Byrne on December 23, 2019 - 2:10pm.

Anyone know when it will reopen???


Submitted by Sharon Buck on February 16, 2020 - 11:45am.

Will the Chalet be open by June 30, 2020???

we plan to visit the caves mid July and would like to stay in our favorite room 102. 
thank you


Submitted by Kyle Hill on February 27, 2020 - 2:28am.

I hope they provide the right balance  between safety and historic value and not go overboard either way. Balance is the key to the universe. :)


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