Considered the undisputed master of the 'grand statement' Underwood's design of the Grand Canyon Lodge was spectacular. The intent was to provide impressive public spaces - guest rooms were never intended to be part of the lodge, as overnight visitors would stay in adjacent cabins.

The design began in 1927, with the first guest welcomed in June 19028. The rim side was constructed of battered and buttressed rubble masonry. Kaibab limestone in the foundations, walls and piers tied the building to the canyon walls, sometimes appearing as natural extensions of the outcroppings. Low-pitched, shingled hip and shed roofs of intersecting gables broken up by shed and gable dormers were stained dark green to match the surrounding pinon forests.

A fire tragically destroyed most of the original lodge and several adjacent deluxe cabins in 1932. Although Underwood was not involved in the rebuilding of the lodge, the new lodge stayed true to Underwood's original design, albeit the design was muted somewhat.²⁷

Links for Learning More