The Omni Bedford Springs Resort & Spa is Honored by The National Trust for Historic Preservation

The Omni Bedford Springs Resort & Spa is Honored by The National Trust for
Historic Preservation
Luxury Resort Received Recognition for Restoration Effort

BEDFORD, Pa., Oct. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- The historic Omni Bedford Springs Resort
& Spa has been recognized for its restoration with a Preservation Honor Award
from the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The project was one of 23
award winners honored by the National Trust during its 2009 National
Preservation Conference in Nashville, TN.

"We could not be more proud of this accomplishment," said Scott Stuckey,
general manager of the Omni Bedford Springs Resort. "The Preservation Honor
Award is a testament to the resort's absolute commitment to revitalize of one
of the country's most historic destinations."

Richard Moe, president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation said,
"After two decades of tireless, monumental efforts to save it, the Omni
Bedford Springs Resort is once again one of America's finest historic
destinations, a perfect blend of past and present. In addition to the obvious
benefits to travelers, the rehabilitation of Bedford Springs has spurred job
creation, additional tax revenues and public works projects. The project is a
'win-win' for the community and for discerning travelers."

Located in the Allegheny Mountains of south central Pennsylvania, the Omni
Bedford Springs, a member of Historic Hotels of America®, has beckoned
visitors for more than two centuries. Established circa 1796, the resort grew
from a collection of simple bathhouses positioned to take advantage of seven
natural springs to one of the nation's premier mid-19th century resort spas.
The main building developed from a collection of 11 stone and frame buildings
that date from 1826. The original buildings included the Classical
Revival-style Pool Building, constructed to house spa treatment rooms and one
of America's first indoor, spring-fed swimming pools. By the end of the 19th
century, the grounds featured springhouses, pavilions and footbridges along
the "Serpentine Trail" which linked the springs and a golf course added in
1895. Civil War generals, captains of industry and 11 U.S. presidents were
all frequent visitors, and President James Buchanan claimed the resort as his
summer White House.

Hard hit by the Depression, Bedford Springs returned to national prominence
during WWII as a Naval radio training facility. The resort then resumed guest
operations, but years of deferred maintenance and poor management helped
secure the hotel's fate, and it closed in 1986 after a flood further
devastated the property. After developer Bedford Resort Partners, Ltd.
embarked on an ambitious and meticulous three-year, $120 million renovation
project, which included the rehabilitation of the historic hotel buildings,
golf course, footbridge and pavilion and the addition of a new hotel and spa
wing, the resort re-opened in 2007. Today, stacked porches, the hotel's
signature architectural feature, overlook expansive grounds that have regained
their original lushness, while expertly recreated historic interiors welcome
visitors, and the indoor swimming pool sparkles again.

Along with Bedford Resort Partners, Ltd., co-recipients honored for
restoration of the Omni Bedford Springs Resort are: The Ferchill Group; Corgan
Associates; Sandvick Architects, Inc.; 3North; Reynolds Construction
Management, Inc.; Forse Design; and Frontier Construction Company.

The National Preservation Awards are bestowed on distinguished individuals,
nonprofit organizations, public agencies and corporations whose skill and
determination have given new meaning to their communities through preservation
of our architectural and cultural heritage. These efforts include citizen
attempts to save and maintain important landmarks; companies and craftsmen
whose work restores the richness of the past; the vision of public officials
who support preservation projects and legislation in their communities; and
educators and journalists who help Americans understand the value of
preservation. The winners of the National Preservation Awards will appear in
the November/December issue of Preservation Magazine and online at
PreservationNation.org/awards.

To download high resolution images of this year's National Preservation Award
winners, visit PreservationNation.org/press. For more information or to make
reservations at the Omni Bedford Springs Resort & Spa, contact 1-800-The-Omni
or visit omnibedfordsprings.com.

About the Omni Bedford Springs Resort & Spa
The Omni Bedford Springs Resort & Spa is a 2,200 acre luxury hideaway located
in Pennsylvania's scenic Allegheny Mountain region. The resort recently
underwent a $120 million renovation, adding a contemporary look and feel to
the property while preserving its remarkable history. The 216-room resort
surrounds eight natural mineral springs which serve as the foundation for its
world-class Springs Eternal Spa - one of only a handful of spas in the U.S. to
utilize natural spring water in all of its treatments. Over the past 200
years, Bedford Springs has served as a meeting place for numerous U.S.
Presidents and dignitaries, including Daniel Webster, Andrew Jackson and
Zachary Taylor. The resort features a phenomenal range of amenities and
activities, including an indoor spring-fed swimming pool; award-winning golf
course; and casual and fine dining options from renowned Chef Konrad Meier.
In addition, guests can enjoy mountain nature trails for hiking and biking,
fly fishing, volleyball, tennis and more.

About National Trust for Historic Preservation
The National Trust for Historic Preservation (www.PreservationNation.org) is a
non-profit membership organization bringing people together to protect,
enhance and enjoy the places that matter to them. By saving the places where
great moments from history - and the important moments of everyday life - took
place, the National Trust for Historic Preservation helps revitalize
neighborhoods and communities, spark economic development and promote
environmental sustainability. With headquarters in Washington, DC, 9 regional
and field offices, 29 historic sites, and partner organizations in all 50
states, the National Trust for Historic Preservation provides leadership,
education, advocacy and resources to a national network of people,
organizations and local communities committed to saving places, connecting us
to our history and collectively shaping the future of America's stories.

SOURCE Omni Bedford Springs Resort & Spa

media, Emily Easter, Emily@hawkpr.com, or Michelle Munick,
Michelle@hawkpr.com, +1-212-255-6541, both of Hawkins International PR for
Omni Bedford Springs Resort & Spa