News & ReviewsNews & Reviews
The Depot: Minnesota Lodging Association Property of the Year
December 18, 2008
The Depot, Minneapolis, and the Waller House Inn, Little Falls, were named the 2008 Minnesota Lodging Association (MLA) Properties of the Year at the Association's Holiday Party and Awards Celebration, Thursday, December 11, at the Hilton Minneapolis/Bloomington in Bloomington.
The Depot in Minneapolis was honored in the "More than 50 Rooms" category. The Milwaukee Road Depot boasts two award-winning Minneapolis hotels by Marriott, a 15,000 square foot indoor water park, a full service bar and restaurant, a variety of unique banquet and meeting spaces, heated underground parking, and an enclosed, seasonal ice skating rink.
For nearly seven decades, family members and loved ones stood at the atrium of the Depot and waved to passengers boarding the trains of the Milwaukee Road line. The Depot was a hub of activity during the late 1800s, and at the peak of activity in 1920, the prosperous Depot bustled with 29 trains departing daily. The last train left in 1971, and in 1978, the property was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Depot was left undeveloped for many years, and in 1998 was purchased by CSM Corporation, which engaged in a major renovation project. Once again in the hospitality business, the Depot stands as a monument to the classic travel experience.
General Manager Rob Hall accepted the award and thanked the entire staff of the facility. "We all know that in this industry, no one achieves success alone. I want to acknowledge and thank the entire hotel team for their efforts," he said, in accepting the award.
The Waller House was honored in the "50 Rooms or Fewer" category. The Waller House Inn is a five bedroom Bed and Breakfast located in historic downtown Little Falls, just three blocks from the Mississippi River. The Inn is a Queen Anne Victorian home built in 1897. It has a storied history. For a lengthy period, the home operated as apartments. In 2006 the home was purchased by Scott and Raquel Lundberg, who opened the Waller House Inn to the public in the spring of 2007. In addition to its five rooms, the Inn hosts small and corporate meetings.
Business has been growing steadily for the Lundberg's, who are thoroughly enjoying their experience as innkeepers. They humbly but proudly accepted the award, commenting on the work they have done to continually improve the Inn.
Properties of the Year are recognized by the Minnesota Lodging Association for providing outstanding customers service, continually exceeding guest expectations and distinguishing themselves as leaders in the industry. Properties are selected by a committee of peers.
Previous recipients include the AmericInn of Mt. Iron/Virginia, Bluefin Bay on Lake Superior in 2007; AmericInn Lodge & Suites of Madelia; Country Inn & Suites of Albert Lea in 2006, Holiday Inn Select of St. Cloud and Pehrson Lodge of Lake Vermillion in 2005.
About the Minnesota Lodging Association
The Minnesota Lodging Association is a leading provider of lobbying, education and marketing to Minnesota hotels, motels, beds and breakfast and their suppliers. It is managed by and is part owner of Hospitality Minnesota, which also manages the Minnesota Restaurant Association and the Minnesota Resort & Campground Association and can be found on the Web at www.hospitalitymn.org