When undertaking a commercial landscape renovation at one of Colorado’s most iconic resorts, first impressions are everything. At a luxury destination like The Broadmoor, guests begin forming opinions the moment they arrive. Every detail, from the architecture to the landscaping, plays a role in creating the exceptional experience the resort is known for around the world.
When The Broadmoor expanded its West Entrance, the landscape needed to do more than simply fill space. It needed to feel as though it had always been part of the property. The new landscape would have to blend seamlessly with the resort’s historic character, complement the surrounding architecture, and uphold the high standards guests have come to expect from one of Colorado’s most celebrated destinations.
That’s where we came in.
Working alongside The Broadmoor’s team and other project partners, we transformed the expanded entrance into a landscape worthy of the resort’s reputation, while navigating a tight construction schedule. We worked around the challenges that come with working at an active luxury hotel.
Table of Contents
TL;DR: What makes a commercial landscaping project award-winning?
Answer:
The Challenge: Expanding a Historic Colorado Springs Landmark
When you’re working on one of the most recognized resorts in Colorado, there is very little room for error.
Working on a property as iconic as The Broadmoor comes with a unique responsibility.
Since opening in 1918, The Broadmoor has become one of Colorado’s most recognized destinations, known for its luxury accommodations, stunning architecture, and meticulously maintained grounds. Every addition and improvement must respect the vision that has shaped the resort for more than a century.
While many people associate The Broadmoor’s landscape with Frederick Law Olmsted Sr., the “father of American landscape architecture” and designer of New York City’s Central Park, the resort’s grounds were actually planned by his sons, John Charles Olmsted and Frederick Law Olmsted Jr., through the renowned Olmsted Brothers firm. Their design included formal gardens, pedestrian walkways, and carefully chosen plants that blended the with Cheyenne Mountain backdrop.
When The Broadmoor expanded its West Entrance, the goal wasn’t simply to install a new landscape. The challenge was to create an outdoor environment that felt like a natural extension of the historic property. One that complemented the architecture, respected the original landscape, and delivered the same world-class first impression guests have come to expect.
For Timberline Landscaping, success meant creating something new while making it feel as though it had always been there. The assignment was clear:
Create a landscape for the West Entrance that matched the elegance and character of the historic main hotel entrance.
Want to learn more about the history of The Broadmoor? Explore the story behind this iconic resort and the vision that helped shape its world-renowned grounds.
Designing a Landscape That Looked Original
One of the unique aspects of this project was the absence of a formal landscape plan.
Instead, Timberline worked closely with The Broadmoor’s grounds team during construction to carefully select plants, plan placements, coordinate irrigation, and ensure every detail aligned with the hotel’s established aesthetic.
Large trees were installed to blend with the mature plantings across the property, helping create a landscape that felt established from day one. The goal wasn’t to create something new and flashy.
The goal was to make it feel as though it had always been there.
Overcoming Commercial Construction Challenges
Every award-winning landscape has a few obstacles hiding behind the scenes.
This project presented several:
Limited Construction Space
Working at a busy luxury resort meant staging areas were extremely limited. Materials, equipment, and crews had to be carefully coordinated to avoid disrupting hotel operations and guest experiences.
Multiple Contractors Working Simultaneously
Concrete crews, electrical contractors, and landscape installers all worked within the same construction footprint. Daily planning and communication were essential to keep the project moving efficiently.
A Hard Deadline
The landscape renovation had to be completed within a single month before one of the resort’s largest annual conferences. Delays were not an option. Even weather challenges required creative solutions to protect sensitive areas and keep the project on schedule.
The Result: An Award-Winning Landscape Installation
When the final plants were installed and the last details were completed, the transformation was exactly what the team had envisioned.
The renovated West Entrance successfully mirrored the character of the historic portions of The Broadmoor while providing guests with a welcoming and polished arrival experience.
The project earned a Merit Award in Installation from the National Association of Landscape Professionals, recognizing the craftsmanship, coordination, and attention to detail required to execute the renovation successfully.
Why Hospitality Landscaping Requires a Different Approach
Guests form opinions within seconds of arriving on-site. The landscape becomes part of the overall guest experience, influencing first impressions and reinforcing the property’s brand.
Successful hospitality landscaping requires:
- Consistent visual quality
- Long-term durability
- Seasonal interest
- Efficient irrigation systems
- Safe pedestrian circulation
- Careful coordination with ongoing operations
For high-profile destinations like The Broadmoor, every detail matters.
Explore More Award-Winning Commercial Landscaping Projects
The Broadmoor West Entrance is just one example of how thoughtful planning, expert craftsmanship, and attention to detail can transform a commercial property.
Explore more of Timberline Landscaping’s award-winning commercial projects, including the Olympic & Paralympic Training Center, the historic Broadmoor Estate House, and the iconic Manitou Incline. Each project presented unique challenges, required creative solutions, and showcases the quality that has defined Timberline Landscaping for decades.
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