The French Lick Springs Hotel

The existing original wing of the French Lick Springs Hotel was built in 1901.  The area's mineral springs and subsequent spas, two championship golf courses, and a railroad spur that brought Chicago trains to the front entrance of the hotel once drew an elite, sophisticated, and wealthy crowd to the quiet hills of southern Indiana.  But when the Depression hit, the hotel suffered.  The French Lick Springs Hotel kept its doors open through the 20th century, although the condition of those doors and everything behind them continued to deteriorate.  This was in spite of (or perhaps because of) periodic changes in ownership and sporadic renovation.  Then the hotel was purchased and restored by members of the same partnership that restored the West Baden Springs Hotel.

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Silver Creek Engineering provided all structural engineering for the restoration of the French Lick Springs Hotel and other buildings on the grounds.  In 2006, 443 guest rooms and suites were opened, along with a fully restored spa, complete with Pluto mineral baths, new and restored restaurants and shops, and a pool complex that includes indoor and outdoor pools.

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In addition to the restoration, a Vegas-style casino and a 105,000 square foot Event Center were added.  Some years later, the Event Center was expanded to add over 58,000 square feet, including a 22,000 square foot ballroom with three sections to allow multiple configurations that can accommodate conventions, meetings, car shows and trade shows.  Silver Creek Engineering provided all structural design services for the expansion.