The Woodlands Resort & Conference Center has announced it will embark on a comprehensive, $50 million transformation and expansion project to include the build out of 158 new guestrooms, the addition of a winding, lazy river as well as a new, dramatic entrance and a fine-dining steakhouse. Construction is expected to begin in early 2008 with an estimated completion date in late 2009.

"The $50 million dollar renovation will reposition The Woodlands Resort & Conference Center as an AAA Four-Diamond Resort with amenities unique to the region," said Dan Leverett, Vice President of Commercial for The Woodlands Development Company. "This is a project that truly will transform a Texas legend into a world-class resort experience."

The new guestrooms will be located in Fairway Pines III, a four-story structure to be located adjacent to the property's Fairway Pines I and II guestroom buildings. The property's transformation includes the relocation of its lobby, registration area and Concierge Desk to the front of the Forest Oasis Waterscape(TM), between all three of the Fairway Pines buildings. The property's existing lobby will be used as a satellite check-in area for conference attendees. Additionally, a four-level garage with 620 parking spaces will replace the existing Fairway Pines parking lot. A new fine-dining steakhouse, complete with its own private wine vault, also will be added.

The transformation includes the addition of a lazy river, winding over 1,000 feet through the surrounding forest, to complement the resort's signature Forest Oasis Waterscape. Plans also call for the renovation of The Woodlands Dining Room, The Glass Menagerie, and the property's 60,000 square feet of meeting space, certified by the I nternational Association of Conference Centers (IACC).
In 2009, 10 nearby lodges, consisting of 222 guestrooms, and the property's original parking lot will be converted into high-density residential use. Residential land sales are expected to begin in the first quarter of 2010.
Source: TWDC