Ranch & Coast Magazine

were installed on the inside face of the historic wood railings — a simple, safe, and transparent solution. On the upper floors, the restoration involved reclaiming the original balconies by reducing the size of four suites and removing a boxy addition. Non-historic windows were removed and 114 new wood windows were fabricated, complete with historic detailing and counterweights. Since e Del's two largest stained-glass windows were originally located in the middle of the removed grand chimney, the restoration incorporates brickwork around the windows as a historic nod to the former chimney. Historic colors were also restored, including the white walls, dark red window sashes, and the veranda ceilings in "haint blue." Victorian porch ceilings were historically painted pale blue to ward off evil spirits. "Haint" is a Southern variation of the word "haunt." An antique Victorian lantern was used as a model for two new custom lights, complete with colored glass "jewels" and crowns etched into the beveled glass. e new free-standing porte-cochère has a Victorian aesthetic by incorporating exposed wood rafters, turned columns, bronze lanterns, and ridge cresting. e lobby, with its elaborate use of white oak, was very dark in 2018 due to the loss of windows and re-staining. Dozens of workers spent months stripping away the non-historic wood finishes and reapplying the lobby's 1888 stain and shellac. In the front desk area, the coffered ceiling was dismantled and reassembled to conceal new steel beams. ere was no requirement to reconstruct the 21 missing stained-glass windows, but ownership knew that bringing back these colorful jewels would be the icing on the cake of the restoration project. e replica stained-glass windows all include a small engraved "2021" so future historians and architects will know that they are not original. After five years of research, design, and construction, the $14 million restoration of the front façade, veranda, and lobby of the Hotel del Coronado has recreated the historic appearance. e love and pride that the citizens of Coronado have for their National Historic Landmark hotel cannot be overstated. Seeing locals and visitors relaxing in rocking chairs on the restored veranda brings one instantly back to 1888. New for all who visit, whether to dine, to tour, or to enjoy a staycation, the recently completed restoration of the Hotel del Coronado will continue to provide cherished memories. Detour destinations The restored veranda with added glass guardrails, teak floor, and Victorian details The front desk area with recreated stained-glass and Victorian-inspired wallpaper hand-painted in England The lobby ceiling during removal of non-historic coatings. The restored ceiling was later re-stained and shellacked << @ranchandcoast ranchandcoast.com 80 MAY 2022 RANCH & COAST MAGAZINE

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