b. Planting Beds
Foundation planting beds on the south and west sides of the lodge have integrity and should be retained. Some of the plant materials in these beds, however, are in poor condition and should be evaluated to determine specific maintenance treatment or other necessary actions associated with the rehabilitation of the lodge (see APPENDIX C). Other planting beds, on the north and east sides of the building, have been changed over several years and most of the plant materials are in poor condition. These areas have little if any landscape integrity. In redeveloping these areas, it is important to incorporate Rustic design principles emphasizing the use of native materials and foundation plantings (see RECOMMENDATIONS: Vegetation).
c. South Plaza
The south plaza, including the historic entry and entry sequence, the planting beds, steps, walks, curbing, parking, and overall organization, has integrity and should be retained. Plant materials within the beds are in generally poor condition and should be assessed and replaced on a plant by plant basis (see RECOMMENDATIONS: Vegetation).
d. Service Areas and Walks
Service areas for the lodge should be concentrated in one area, on the east side of the building as it was historically, to provide a strong separation between visitors and lodge operations. Plantings should be used to screen views and control circulation/access to service areas from the promenade and public parking areas. Pedestrian walkways in the plaza area can be rehabilitated and incorporated if the same configuration for lodge parking and access is retained.
7. All new buildings at Rim Village should be designed and incorporated into the site following the principles of the Rustic style (see APPENDIX A).
8. Because the new visitor activity center/hotel and plaza will be located in the same general location as the existing Cafeteria, they should maintain a strong physical and visual connection to the promenades.
