History

Discover The Broadmoor, which offers exceptional accommodations among the mountains of Colorado Springs, Colorado.

The Broadmoor was constructed during the international conflict of 1914 to 1918, where the Central Powers battled the Entente for global dominance. In 1880, tuberculosis patient Willie Wilcox came west seeking his fortune and hoping to find a cure for his illness. He bought the land at the base of Cheyenne Mountain and established a small dairy farm, but his inexperience with animals became his undoing. Wilcox formed a partnership with a Prussian Count named James Pourtales, who had also come west to seek romance and fortune. Pourtales had grand designs and decided the only way to make a truly decent profit was to create an upper-class suburb of Colorado Springs with numerous amenities. As such, The Broadmoor Land and Investment Company was born in 1890. To entice buyers, Pourtales built the original Broadmoor Casino and Cheyenne Lake. After going bankrupt when the casino burned down, Pourtales sold the land to a group of investors who built a second casino and a small hotel. Plagued with similar problems, the second casino and the hotel went into receivership. Purchased by a prominent Colorado Springs investor, the hotel and casino became The Broadmoor School for Girls, a private boarding school.

On May 9, 1916, Spencer Penrose, a Philadelphia entrepreneur who had made his fortune in mining, purchased the casino, hotel, and an adjoining 450 acres. His dream was to turn the Pikes Peak region into the most interesting, multi-faceted resort area that could be imagined. The New York firm of Warren and Wetmore designed the structure and construction began on May 20, 1917. Skilled artisans were brought from Europe to create The Broadmoor's elaborate moldings, embellishments, and paintings. To further enhance its renown, Penrose also hired famed Scottish golf architect Donald Ross to create the hotel’s 18-hole golf course. When the project finally concluded in 1918, Penrose and his fellow investors had spent more than two million dollars (which is the equivalent to $34 million today). It was nevertheless received as one of the best resorts in the entire United States. Penrose threw a magnificent extravaganza to commemorate The Broadmoor’s grand opening, starting a legacy of world-class hospitality that was to last for more than a century. Within a matter of years, all sorts of prestigious Americans would stay at The Broadmoor at one point or another, including John D. Rockefeller, Charles Lindbergh, and Clark Gable. It even hosted numerous U.S. Presidents, such as Herbert Hoover and Franklin Delano Roosevelt.

When Penrose passed away in 1939, his charitable organization, El Pomar Foundation, assumed control over The Broadmoor. The organization subsequently appointed Charles L. Tutt Jr. of the Broadmoor Hotel and Land Company as the resort’s president. Under the stewardship of Tutt—and his sons William and Russell—The Broadmoor grew exponentially. Several new facilities emerged on site, including the luxurious Broadmoor South and the International Center. They oversaw the design of two additional golf courses as well, including one developed by the legendary Arnold Palmer. In spite of this success, El Pomar Foundation eventually sold The Broadmoor to The Oklahoma Publishing Company in 1988. Now owned by the Anschutz family, The Broadmoor today continues to be one of the nation’s most prestigious historic destinations.

a large white building with a garden and trees

Hotel Timeline

An investment team consisting of American Willie Wilcox and Prussian Count James Pourtales form The Broadmoor Land and Investment Company. The two men intended to create an upper-class suburb near Colorado Springs, centered around a magnificent casino. Wilcox had originally discovered the area when seeking a place to recover from a bout of tuberculosis, and invited Pourtales west help him develop the land. Unfortunately, the two men entered bankruptcy and were forced to sell their casino. Colorado Springs eventually acquired the site, converting it into a private boarding school known as The Broadmoor School for Girls.

Mining magnate Spencer Penrose purchased the erstwhile casino, as well as a small hotel located next door. Penrose also bought the 450 acres of land surrounding both the casino and hotel. Desiring a resort that would transform Colorado Springs into a premier holiday destination, he began to exponentially expand the complex a year later. New York-based architectural firm Warren and Wetmore designed the main structures, while Donald Ross created the location’s first 18-hole golf course. Penrose even recruited Fredrick Law Olmstead Jr. to develop the hotel’s beautiful series of landscaped gardens that still surround the resort today.

Penrose debuted his new hotel, calling it The Broadmoor. Despite exceeding its construction budget ($2 million in total), The Broadmoor quickly emerged as one of the best resort’s in the United States. Penrose threw a magnificent extravaganza to commemorate its grand opening, inviting many prominent Americans to attend the event. The party kick-started a tradition of hosting many luminaries from across the United States, including Charles Lindbergh, John D. Rockefeller, and Clark Gable. The Broadmoor would go on to attract several former U.S. presidents, such as Herbert Hoover and Franklin Delano Roosevelt.

El Pomar Foundation assumes control over The Broadmoor following the death of Spencer Penrose. The Penrose family’s charitable organization, it operated the resort through Charles L. Tutt Jr. for the next several years. Tuff had originally been recruited for the position through the Broadmoor Hotel and Land Company.

William Thayer Tutt—the son of Charles L. Tutt Jr.—became president of The Broadmoor. The resort expanded greatly under his watch, seeing the additions of the Broadmoor South and the International Center. William Thayer Tutt’s administration added another golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones. Several national sporting events are held at facilities throughout the complex as well, including the National Figure Skating Championships as well as the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s golf tournament. Many international competitions occurred at the resort, such as the World Hockey Championships and the World Senior Golf Tournament.

The Broadmoor World Arena hosted the World Figure Skating Championships. In operation since 1896, this prestigious competition is considered by many in the to be among its most important events. Most ice skaters consider placing at the World Figure Skating Championships to be the pinnacle of their careers, second only to the Olympics. Of the contest’s four major categories—Men, Ladies, Pairs, and Ice Dance—no American earned a gold medal.

Russell Thayer Tutt—another son of Charles L. Tutt Jr.—assumed control over The Broadmoor. Like his brother, Russell Thayer Tutt’s term as resort president saw the construction of many luxurious facilities. For instance, the resort installed its second conference center, Colorado Hall, during this time. Perhaps the greatest new addition to The Broadmoor was its third golf course, as the great Arnold Palmer helped design it in 1976.

Due to the Tax Reform Act of 1969, El Pomar Foundation eventually sold The Broadmoor to The Oklahoma Publishing Company. Over the next five years, The Oklahoma Publishing Company then subjected the entire resort to a major renovation that saw the addition of the Broadmoor, Spa Golf, and Tennis Club, as well as the Broadmoor West.

The Broadmoor adds new Golf, Spa, and Tennis facility and Rocky Mountain Ballroom.West Tower replaces the site of the former Broadmoor World Arena skating facility a year later, which moves three miles east and becomes the Colorado Springs World Arena and Ice Hall. The Broadmoor West building, including Charles Court restaurant, is renovated and remodeled shortly thereafter.

A new water complex was added to the north end of Cheyenne Lake, including a zero-entry infinity swimming pool, mountain-like water slides, two 14-person hot tubs, private cabanas, and a seasonal pool café. The new 21-room Lakeside Suites building was completed on the site of the first Main pool.

The original Broadmoor Main Building openrf after a total restoration and renovation. Artwork was restored on ceilings and walls; two guest elevators were added; rooms were redesigned with five-fixture baths and a host of state-of-the-art services and amenities. Former Mountain Golf Course clubhouse was also renovated and reopened as Cheyenne Lodge with spectacular vistas for private functions.

The Spa at The Broadmoor was expanded to 43,000-sqare-feet with the addition of 10 new treatment rooms, two exclusive water treatments – the Serenity Shower and the Tranquility Tub – as part of a total redesign of the existing space, all created by master architect TAG Galyean.

The East Golf Course was returned to the original 1918-bunker design of legendary course designer Donald Ross. In May of 2005, the Golf Club Dining Room (formerly called Stratta’s) reopened, adding a wonderful new outdoor dining experience that focused on casual dining in a family-oriented atmosphere. Window walls opened onto an expanded awning-covered patio, complete with an exterior fire pit perfect for roasting marshmallows or making S’mores.

Broadmoor Hall opened in October, adding a 60,000 square-foot pillar-less and fully carpeted ballroom capable of holding up to 6,550 people. Underground parking was added to the Hall, with space for 950 vehicles. Broadmoor Brownstones—19 private residences—debuted across from the Golf Club, too.

Construction of The Broadmoor Cottages began in August. Five eight-bedroom and one four-bedroom cottages are built along the 18th fairway of the East Golf Course. They opened a year later on May 8. The cottages bring the total accommodation space to 744 units, including 107 suites and 44 cottage bedrooms.

The West Tower rooms and suites received new décor. Its meeting rooms are completely redone to more closely match the look and feel of other meeting spaces. The West Lobby Bar was remodeled to include a scenic outdoor patio and a bar dining menu.

The Anschutz family purchased The Broadmoor through its corporate arm, The Anschutz Corporation. They subsequently appointed Steve Bartolin as President and Chief Executive Office so that he could manage it on their behalf.

Museum-quality giclée fine art renditions of Western art masters from The American Museum of Western Art collection were added throughout the resort, including Broadmoor Main, Broadmoor West, Charles Court and South Tower.

The Tavern was renamed La Taverne to honor the original Toulouse Lautrec posters that adorned the walls. A new atrium was installed in what was formerly known as Tavern Garden Room—renamed Le Jardin—to give the feel of a European conservatory. Architects included more florals and a stunning 16-foot chandelier.

The Ranch at Emerald Valley, a wilderness retreat with 10 cabins located 8 miles from the resort in Pike National Forest, opened in August, 2013. It closed after six weeks due to extensive rain damage but reopened in August of 2014.

The Broadmoor Fishing Camp (later renamed Fly Fishing Camp) opened in June of 2015. The destination was a private fly-fishing camp with a beautifully restored lodge and seven miners' cabins that date back to the 1880's. Located on the Tarryall River and with more than five miles of private waters, it was an exclusive fly fishing experience complete with dining, accommodations, and some of the best angling in all of Colorado.

The Broadmoor introduced a new attraction above Seven Falls in August of 2016. The Broadmoor Soaring Adventure consisted of two zip line courses with lines that range in length from 240 to 1,800 feet. It also featured two 200-foot suspension bridges and a controlled 180-foot rappel that lowered into the Seven Falls canyon.

Broadmoor Outfitters added the Wild West Experience and falconry to their activities for guests in the spring of 2017. A new set of cookbooks called A Legacy of Culinary Excellence, Recipes, History and Traditions began production, too. It featured history and recipes from both The Broadmoor and Sea Island.

The year-long Centennial celebrations begin with activities and events planned for a theme every month. January includes a The Legacy of Ice, a salute to the original Broadmoor Ice Palace (1938 – 1994) and Broadmoor Skating Club, Broadmoor Curling, Broadmoor Speed Skating and Colorado College Hockey.

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The Location

The Broadmoor resides within the Broadmoor neighborhood, which in turn lies within the city limits of Colorado Springs. Affiliated with Colorado Springs as far back as the late 19th century, this bucolic district was only recently annexed by the city in 1980. Yet, the Broadmoor neighborhood is still a part of the rich heritage that defines the Old American West. Colorado Springs itself dates back to 1886 when William Jackson Palmer of the Colorado Springs Company founded the settlement as part of a much larger strategy to establish communities that would service his future railroads in the area. The city spent the first year of its existence as the “Fountain Colony” before changing its name permanently to “Colorado Springs.” The Broadmoor neighborhood emerged around this time, when developers working of the Broadmoor Land Company constructed the suburb for those working in the adjacent settlement. Mining and railroad companies dominated the local economy for decades until the mid-20th century when several military commands—including the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD)—moved to the area. Many wonderful outdoor geographic locations surround both the Broadmoor neighborhood and Colorado Springs as a whole, with the northern spur of Cheyenne Mountain located close to the resort.

The Architecture

Modeling his fledgling resort after the great alpine hotels of 19th-century Europe, Spencer Penrose had always intended for The Broadmoor to be the unrivaled “Grand Dame of the Rockies.” Enlisting the help of two investors, Albert E. Carlton and C.M. MacNeill, he spared no expense in The Broadmoor’s development. Penrose hired the architectural firm Warren and Wetmore to oversee the design, which had risen to prominence for its prior work with the Ritz-Carlton and Bowman-Biltmore hotel chains. He also recruited the renowned landscape architect, Frederick Law Olmstead Jr., to create the layout of the grounds, and charged Donald Ross to craft The Broadmoor’s first golf course. Priceless pieces of furniture and artwork were imported directly from both Europe and Asia, while facilities for the first ever full-service spa emerged amid the construction. Penrose even transported a dismantled pub from England and reassembled it as a dining option inside The Broadmoor.

When the project finally concluded in 1918, Penrose and his fellow investors had spent more than two million dollars (which is the equivalent to $34 million today). It was nevertheless received as one of the best resorts in the entire United States. Many marveled at its brilliant architectural design, which borrowed heavily from the aesthetics of the Italian Renaissance. Warren and Wetmore crafted an incredibly iconic exterior of pink stucco that enabled The Broadmoor to blend in seamlessly with the surrounding mountains of Pikes Peak. Inside, guests encountered a wealth of beautiful architectural features, including the gorgeous ceiling over the main lobby’s mezzanine. Designed by Giovanni Smeraldi and a team of 100 Italian artists, the structure displays two masterfully painted images of dancing cherubs.

Construction to The Broadmoor did not cease after its initial opening though. On the contrary, Penrose continued to grow the resort well after its grand debut. He oversaw the construction of a large polo field in 1928, as well as the Broadmoor Riding Arena across from the main building two years later. Penrose also initiated the development of the Broadmoor Ice Palace in 1938, which hosted several U.S. Figure Skating Championships throughout the mid-20th century. Yet, the work on The Broadmoor continued well after Penrose’s death in 1939. Thanks in large part to his widow, Julie, as well as the family charitable organization, El Pomar Foundation, the resort continued to grow. Together, they established the Carriage House Museum to honor Spencer Penrose’s legacy. Additional facilities were added throughout the 1950s and 1960s, including the creation of Broadmoor South and the International Center. More recently, The Broadmoor has seen the addition of many new structures, including the Broadmoor Golf and Tennis Club, the Broadmoor Golf Club, and most notably, Broadmoor West.

Over the years, The Broadmoor’s magnificent landscape architecture has come to be just as iconic as its structural architecture. Originally designed by Fredrick Law Olmstead Jr., the resorts gardens currently cover some 35 acres. The landscaping and flowering gardens encourage guests to experience several different types of landscape, and the original European theme throughout the resort. As guests drive up the entrance to the main hotel, they view a formal garden with the hedged boxwoods and junipers and a water feature with water lilies blooming on top of the water surrounding the 10 acre lake. In the spring time, over 18,000 daffodils and 25,000 pansies are planted. In the summer there are over 35,000 annual and 12,000 plants scattered in pots and hanging baskets around the resort.

Famous Historic Events

The Broadmoor has accommodated its fair share of international sporting competitions throughout its history. Dozens of U.S. Women’s Open and U.S. Senior Open golf tournaments have happened at the resort ever since they both started. It has also served as the venue for several U.S. National Figure Skating Championships from 1948 to 1973. It was even the host for the World Figure Skating Championship in 1965, in which Alain Calmat of France won the Men’s Gold; Petra Burka of Canada won the Ladies’ Gold; Liudmila Belousova and Oleg Protopopov of the Soviet Union won the Pairs’ Gold; and Eva Romanová and Pavel Roman of Czechoslovakia won the Gold in Ice Dance. Several Americans do receive Silver medals in the following categories: Scott Allen in the Men’s competition, as well as Vivian Joseph and Ronald Joseph in the Pairs competition.

The resort was also the meeting place for a North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) summit back in 2003. Then President George W. Bush and his Secretary of Defense, Donald Rumsfeld, met with allies from seven European countries at The Broadmoor to discuss the nature of their alliances through the NATO agreement. NATO is a multinational alliance of nations in North America and Europe, which seek to defend one another in the event of an attack. This historic relationship formed in the wake of World War II, when several nations—led by the United States—signed the North Atlantic Treaty in 1949. Many Western nations at the time worried that the Cold War with the Soviet Union could become “hot” and sought out each other’s mutual protection.

Famous Historic Guests

John D. Rockefeller, founder of Standard Oil Company
Charles Lindbergh, historic aviator and military officer
Clark Gable, actor known for his roles in It Happened One Night, Mutiny on the Bounty, Gone with the Wind.
John Wayne, actor known for his roles in The Man Who Shot Liberty Vance, True Grit, and The Longest Day.
Maurice Chevalier, actor known for his roles in The Love Paradise and The Smiling Lieutenant.
Bing Crosby, actor, singer, and comedian who many consider to be America’s first multimedia star.
Walt Disney, legendary founder of The Walt Disney Company.
Bob Hope, famed comedian and patron of the United Service Organization (USO).
Jimmy Stewart, actor known for his roles in You Can’t Take It with You and Mr. Smith Goes to Washington.
Jack Benny, famous comedian known for his trademark comic timing.
Jackie Gleason, legendary comedian known for starring in The Jackie Gleason Show.
Joe DiMaggio, celebrated baseball player known as “The Yankee Clipper.”
Stan Musial, franchise icon of the St. Louis Cardinals.
Prime Minister Toshiki Kaifu of Japan (1989 – 1991)
Margaret Thatcher, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (1979 – 1990)
Herbert Hoover, 31st President of the United States (1929 – 1933)
Franklin D Roosevelt, 32nd President of the United States (1933 – 1945)
Dwight David Eisenhower, 34th President of the United States (1953 – 1961)
John F. Kennedy, 35th President of the United States (1961 – 1963)
Richard M. Nixon, 37th President of the United States (1969 – 1974)
Gerald Ford, 38th President of the United States (1974 – 1977)
Ronald Reagan, 40th President of the United States (1981 – 1988)
George H.W. Bush, 41st President of the United States (1989 – 1993)
George W. Bush, 43rd President of the United States (2001 – 2009)

Film, TV and Media Connections

Ice Castles (1978)
The Case of the Sinister Spirit (1987)

Guest Historian Series

Nobody Asked Me, But… No. 196; Hotel History: The Broadmoor (1918), Colorado Springs, Colorado

Stanley Turkel, CMHS

For over a century, dreamers, farmers, investors, and even a Prussian Count have held a vision of the magnificence in store for the Colorado Springs area. It took the foresight, dedication and incredible vision of one man, Spencer Penrose, to bring the dream to reality… and to make it wonderful enough to last 100 years.

Even before it was the Broadmoor Dairy Farm, the land at the base of Cheyenne Mountain was a ranch where corn was grown for making brooms. Willie Wilcox, who came to the area seeking his fortune and hoping to find a cure for his tuberculosis, bought the land in 1880 and established a small dairy. Unfortunately, Wilcox’s inexperience with animals soon became evident, and he realized that without significant investments the project would not be a success, so he began negotiations to sell the land.