REDSTONE INN
1978 - 2012
Redstone Inn Ownership under Mid-Continent Resources
By Jeff Bier
During the Korean War, Mid-Continent Resources re-opened the Coal Basin mines to meet the growing demand for coal. Mid-Continent soon became the largest employer in Pitkin County, surpassing the Ski Company, running three shifts a day, expanding to six portals and removing 28 million tons of the high grade bituminous coal in the next 35 years.
In 1978, two of the principals from the Mid-Continent coal mines just up the road in Coal Basin, were having lunch at the Redstone Inn. The current owner, Ann Van Dis, informed them that she was closing the Inn and probably putting it up for sale as they were undercapitalized and unable to continue operations and upkeep. John Reeves and Bob Delaney, President and Vice-President, (Mr. Delaney was also the company attorney) quickly put together a corporation to purchase the Inn and did so in 1979. They had a couple reasons for this endeavor, one being that the Redstone Inn was the historic cornerstone for Redstone and was the center of most activities for locals and tourists. The company also owned considerable real estate in the Redstone area and was exploring additional housing for their expanding workforce. They wanted to keep the Inn viable and open for the community.
In 1981, The Historic Redstone Inn Corp. embarked on a two year, much needed, top to bottom renovation/restoration project using local contractors for the work. The construction of the new addition during the Kistler era was of dubious quality and many systems were failing. Without completion of this major project, the Inn may not have physically survived much longer.
Over the years, Mid-Continent was a good friend to Redstone. When they first re-opened in the 50’s, the coal trucks went through town using Redstone Blvd. as partial access to their facility on the railroad near Carbondale. Through their efforts, the highway was established and upgraded to a significant gravel road, bypassing the village. The highway was ultimately paved to the mine entrance. When Redstone’s water system failed, the mine provided men and equipment to repair and establish a storage tank to get the water system operational. They also donated the old lamp house from Coal Town to the Redstone Historical Society and County, which is the current museum, located at the town park. Bob Delaney provided the legal framework for the establishment of the non-profit Redstone Community Association which is still very active today. In addition, the LS Wood Trust, established by the original founder of Mid-Continent, has provided scholarships to local students for many, many years and continues to do so today even though the mines have closed.
Reopening the Inn in 1983, the partnership had managers operating the business including family members, 1983-1988. It was a challenging time, following the bust of the Colorado’s Oil Shale economy in 1982.
Redstone Inn Ownership under the Gilmore Family
by Deb Strom
On October 1, 1988, The Historic Redstone Inn Corp. entered into a management contract with John Gilmore and ultimately sold the Redstone Inn to John Gilmore’s limited partnership in 1989. This transaction was only feasible because the building had been newly renovated and because John Gilmore (respectfully called JFG) secured low interest private financing. Bank financing was very tight and very expensive. Furthermore, it was a messy process since The Historic Redstone Inn Corp. (not Midcontinent) was in bankruptcy and the Chicago bank holding the mortgage collapsed and it was in the hands of the FDIC.
I became the general manager and a partner of the Redstone Inn for the next twenty years. I had previously worked for JFG at the Hotel Jerome for 12 of his 17 year ownership. I had stayed on to work for the new owners of the renovated Hotel Jerome for another two years while JFG, CPA Mike Otte, and myself searched for a new Colorado opportunity.
Our goal was to re-develop the Inn operations by emphasizing the Food and Beverage operation and add resort amenities. This we did by adding the Bar-Grill-Patio addition with a more casual feel and menu. This opened the building up to the south and the stunning views of the upper Crystal Valley. Partner Jim Jenkins came on board to oversee the construction. To improve resort amenities, we added a pool, hot tub and fitness center and updated the tennis court.
Fortunately the Redstone Castle, owned by Ken Johnson was already successfully operating as a wedding site since 1976 and as a Bed & Breakfast since 1982. Ken, former owner of the Grand Junction Sentinel, had “saved the Castle from the wrecking ball” in 1974, when it the property was slated to be subdivided into tract housing and the castle demolished due to major foundations issues.
We were able to build on its reputation. The Castle was the wedding site of many high profile weddings including Jimmy Buffet, the venue for concerts with the likes of pianist Peter Kater and for events like the annual Sweetheart Ball. Unfortunately, Ken first sold it in 1994, but he had to re-sell it four times due to failed contracts. There was a chain of fumbled ownerships for almost 20 years (including a Ponzi scheme) until April and Steve Carver purchased it at auction in 2016 — owning a Castle isn’t for everyone!
The Castle shied away from food service and we filled in this gap with Chef Jeff Spiroff, 1989 – 1994. Then we really hit our stride with Chef David Zumwinkle, 1995-2000, F&B manager Carrie McDonald, and Dining Room Manager Linda Graham followed by Becky Trembley and Cherie Morton. The dining room was open seven nights a week and the Grill was open 15 hours a day. We replaced the old pool-greenhouse footprint with a 60’ x 40’ event canopy and banqueting became another revenue stream. Chef Marco Diaz. 2001 – 2005, took over and developed a talented kitchen crew that stepped up as a team to manage the kitchen with Cesar Garcia as Chef.
Though Mid-Continent mines closed in 1992, Redstone had successfully transitioned to tourism. The Crystal Echo reported in 1996 that there were 36 businesses in Redstone, including as many as four restaurants and four art galleries. Redstone was again in its Heyday.
I retired on my 20th anniversary, September 30, 2008 (and on the eve of the 2008 stock market crash). The Gilmore Collection, based in Grand Rapids, would take on a more active role. During the past 24 years in Western Michigan, The Gilmore Collection, now headed by JFG’s son Gregory Gilmore, had preserved 12 historic buildings by re-developing them into over 18 successful restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. As part of the transition, in 2008, Greg oversaw the construction of the first proto-type chalet on the banks of the Crystal River.
Nicole Richardson of Grand Rapids, became the General Manager with a two year management contract. Cherie Morton transitioned to front desk, Becky Trembley continued as Food & Beverage manager and the kitchen team stayed solid. Together they saw the Inn through the worst of the 2008 recession.
In 2010, Sara Lewis Stanaszek became the General Manager. It was the perfect fit. Sara’s parents brought her and her sisters to Redstone as children. Redstone and the Inn quickly became her second home. While earning a BA in business at the University of Colorado, she worked summers and busy winter weekends as Dining Room server and Grill bartender. After graduation she opened Café Redstone in the former Dorlie’s restaurant on the Blvd. Cherie Morton had become the heart and soul of the Redstone Inn Front Desk as Guest Services Manager and the core culinary staff was equally dedicated .
With this committed staff and the backing of the Gilmores, the Redstone Inn successfully emerged from the 2008 recession and withstood the challenges of the COVID lockdown. Notably, the Redstone Inn is one of only three continuously operating historic properties in the greater Roaring Fork Valley.
Through thick and thin, day in and day out, the Redstone Inn has welcomed guests since 1902. On July 9, 2023, over ninety people gathered to honor the Gilmore Family’s 35th anniversary, marking it as the longest single ownership since 1902.
Co-authored by Jeff Bier and Deb Strom, Jeff is the President of the Redstone Historical Society and Debby is the Treasurer. — Many thanks to Diane Delaney, Rob Delaney, Ann VanDis, Bob McCormick, and Sylvia Morrison for their assistance in this article.