Historic lodge sees array of updates

From the sheets to the coffee, guests at Starved Rock Lodge now enjoy a more eco-friendly stay because the Lodge has made many changes to go green in 2016.

The trees aren't the only thing that's green at Starved Rock State Park in Oglesby, Illinois. The historic hotel, located within this National Historic Landmark, has 69 rooms in the lodge and 21 cabin rooms on the property. The main portion of the lodge was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. "Because the lodge & cabins are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, we strive to maintain the historical integrity and ambience created by the CCC whenever updates and changes are made," said General Manager Mitch Wagner.

"When the furniture in the hotel and dining areas was replaced a few years ago, we chose a company famous for repurposing old barn board and century-old hardwoods. We made it our goal to start going green in 2016," he said. New bedding reminds you of a handcrafted quilt your grandmother might have made.

CEO Amy Trimble said industrial grade fabrics must be used to be able to withstand frequent laundering and still look like new. The lodge's new drapery fabric was also custom-made. Trimble wanted the curtains to match or complement the bedding. The dimensions of the windows are not common stock sizes. Because such a large amount of custom-design fabric was needed, the material printed and then shipped to the east coast to be sewn in the U.S. But before that, the drapery was constructed, the fabric was treated to be flame resistant and blackout lining/coating was added.

Cleaning products, lighting and food service items were switched to eco-friendly and compostable supplies and materials that are locally sourced whenever possible. Linens at the lodge are now part of the living green program. Lodge housekeepers now use eco-friendly cleaning products and laundry detergent.

"We chose products that conserve energy, water and packaging, plus they reduce waste while saving time and energy," said Housekeeping Director Chrissy Thomas. "We now have 100 percent recycled paper products such as facial tissue and trash can liners. Lodge guests love the fact that 100 percent of the in-room coffee comes from Rainforest Alliance-certified farms, helping to protect wildlife and the environment and provide dignified living conditions for farmworkers and their families."

Updating the way the lodge is lit has been another enlightening experience."Changing out over 1,000 light bulbs is no easy task," said Maintenance Manager Ryley Bunzel. "Our goal was to convert from incandescent to energy efficient, LED bulbs throughout the property. Once the changeover is finished, the new lighting is estimated to reduce energy costs by approximately 15 percent ."

• Kathy Casstevens is marketing director at Starved Rock Lodge & Conference Center.