Zion Lodge Historic District
The Zion Lodge Historic District is significant for its historic association with the development of the “Rustic Style” architecture in the National Park Service during the 1920’s. The complex was designed by one of the leaders of “Rustic Style” architecture, Gilbert Stanley Underwood. In 1919, the Mukuntuweap National Monument was enlarged and the name changed to Zion National Park. Previous to gaining park status, accommodations for tourists were provided by Wylie Camping Company. The Wylie Camps, popular in other western national parks, gave the tourists a “camping experience” complete with tent-style living. The Union Pacific Railroad secured the concessions contract for Zion National Park and formed the Utah Parks Company to plan, build, and maintain the concession developments. The Union Pacific Company retained Gilbert Stanley Underwood to design the Zion Lodge Complex. Underwood is credited with the design of Timberline Lodge on Mount Hood, the Ahwahnee Hotel in Yosemite, the Grand Teton Lodge, Wyoming, the Bryce Canyon Lodge, and the Williamsburg Lodge in Williamsburg, Virginia.
Between 1900 – 1940, the use of “Rustic Style” architecture was popular in the western national parks. The style was characterized by the use of native materials to blend with the rugged landscapes, and the careful use of scale and design to make the building compatible with the natural environment. The “Rustic Style” of architecture of Gilbert Stanley Underwood is one of the most important and lasting contributions of the Utah Parks Company to Zion National Park. The “Rustic Style” of Underwood served as a model for the later construction in the park, particularly during the New Deal of the 1930’s. The Male Dormitory in the Zion Lodge Complex is an example of Underwood’s style being followed.
The original Zion Lodge Complex consisted of the Zion Lodge, the Bathhouse and Swimming Pool, the Female Dormitory, Comfort Station, Linen Cabins, Deluxe Cabins, and the Standard Cabins. The original Zion Lodge burned in 1966 and was replaced in 1966 by a prefabricated building placed on the original lodge’s foundation. The Bathhouse and Swimming Pool were removed in 1976. The Standard Cabins were the first attempt by the Utah Parks Company for accommodations in the lodge complex and were augmented by the Deluxe Cabins over the following four years. The Standard Cabins were designed for a 20 year structural life.
In 1937, the Male Dormitory was built following the design set by Gilbert Stanley Underwood in the previous decade. The “Rustic Style” architecture of Gilbert Stanley Underwood as exemplified by the Zion Lodge complex can also be seen at Bryce Canyon National Park.
The Zion Lodge Historic District is located in Zion National Park in Washington County, Utah and were added to the National Historic Register (#82001718) on August 24, 1982.