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Renovation & Building Plans

The site of Avalon Springs is already developed as a hot springs resort. The existing zoning as a commercial resort, and the fact that the structures are sound, make our initial phase a remodel. The county inspectors have already validated that this project will likely require no planning department processing. This saves us years of zoning adjustments, plan review, and costly pre-development administration. The existing buildings provide an adequate footprint with all aspects of the retreat center already existing.

History of the Site
The old resort, Howard Hot Springs, operated from the early 1900s through the mid 1970s. During this time, it welcomed visitors into its hotel and cabins for leisurely and healthful play in the healing waters. Since Howard closed in 1974, the buildings and springs have been maintained by the previous owner and caretaker, Elio Giusti.  He remains on the property as an advisor, sharing his priceless knowledge about the land and site improvements. After two years of extensive due diligence and after living on the land for one year, we completed the purchase of our land as in September, 2007.

The Design Team
Avalon Springs has the “Dream Team” of designers to envision and implement the renovations necessary to bring the vision of Avalon to life.  Arkin-Tilt Architects, Sentient Landscapes, and the permaculture wizardry of Douglas Bullock and the Exos Design Team make up our ideal team in designing a shining example of beauty and sustainability.  Read about them on the Team page.

The Bath House
The existing bathhouse, which is now dark and cavernous, will be removed. We plan to open up the entire experience of our sacred mineral waters to the colorful rock wall from which the springs emerge and the outdoors; perhaps showcasing a beautiful landscaped terraced serene garden with waterfalls and flowing water streams, wooden bridges and trellises covered with shade providing plants and vines. The new bath house will include a reception area where men and women will enter separately at first for disrobing and cleansing before entering the healing waters complex, inviting bathers into a more introspective and intentional experience of the baths.

The magical experience of our waters will include a warm aquatic bodywork (Watsu/Waterdance) pool for therapeutic healing in the waters. We are also envisioning individual soaking tubs that can be filled with our mineral waters to varying degrees of temperature to suit individual preferences. In addition, there will be several healing rooms for bodywork and various healing treatments to further deepen the experience at Avalon Springs.

The Main House
The Main House was once the lodge, with eight guestrooms and hallway bathrooms and three large gathering areas. This upstairs area will become meeting rooms and workshop spaces. Downstairs, there is a quaint lobby and living room, space for a health food store, and a full commercial sized kitchen and dining area that can accommodate 130 people. Attached to the dining room is the community hall, a large meeting room appropriate for recreation and classes. Renovation plans include general remodel of rooms, bathrooms, and kitchen/dining areas, as well as the addition of a yoga room in the front of the building, overlooking the water gardens.

Guest Cottages
There are a total of sixty-five small cottages currently. Most of these will be taken down and salvaged for building materials. We plan to build 60 new lodging rooms for a total planned visitor capacity of 120 guest accommodations. The rooms will most likely be built using natural materials and an EarthZen serene, simple, peaceful design aesthetic. Each room might have a queen or two twin beds, a chest of drawers, a sink and a toilet. Some deluxe rooms might also have a private shower to accommodate varying guest needs.

New Buildings

The new buildings, which will require a slightly longer timeline for planning and infrastructure development, are the Special Events Complex , and the intentional community eco-village. Our Healing Center is also in development for expanding upon the bodywork rooms located in the bath house. Future development plans include the expansion of retreat facilities, a campground area, a carbon-neutral sound studio, a children’s educational center, and an arts complex.

 

View from the site of the planned Special Events Complex.

    Click here to see Plant Communities Map of Avalon

    Click here to see Avalon's Plan for Clean Green Energy