$50M Waterpark to Rush into Williamsburg

WILLIMASBURG, VA-Developers of Great Wolf Lodge, a planned full-service family resort with indoor waterpark, have taken a step toward realization of the new destination with the recent start of construction activity. Madison, WI-headquartered Great Lakes Cos. plans to spend $50 million to complete the entertainment facility, which is expected to open to visitors in spring 2005.

Situated on an 80-acre parcel at the intersection of I-64 and Highway 199, Great Wolf Lodge will occupy the same county, York, as the nearly two-decade-old Anheuser-Busch waterpark known as Water Country USA. With 380,000 sf of space, the new four-story lodge will house 301 suites, as well as the 70,000-sf indoor water facility, a 7,500-sf arcade, 6,500 sf of meeting space, two restaurants, a 5,000-sf gift shop, and a 2,300-sf spa and fitness center that will be open to guests and the public. “We are confident that travelers, as well as the local community, will respond with enthusiasm to a high-quality resort which combines a unique lodging experience with exciting indoor and outdoor water attractions and many other amenities,” says Great Lakes Cos. senior vice president of sales and marketing Eric Lund.