Evergreen air museum plans lodge, water park

Plans are in motion for an 80- to 90-room resort lodge and separate indoor water park at the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum near McMinnville.

Brian Bauer, a museum board member and president of Evergreen International Aviation, said the lodge and 50,000-square-foot water park will follow the museum's aviation theme, which already attracts 425,000 visitors annually.

A Boeing 747 jetliner mounted on the water park's roof could become a significant landmark. "Visitors will be able to slide out of a real 747 aircraft into the pool," Bauer said. "Other than that, it will be similar to other large water parks across the country."

Located just east of McMinnville on Oregon 18, the museum campus already includes twin 120,000-square-foot display facilities and a mirror-image 55,000-square-foot IMAX® Theater.

Negotiations with local land-conservation groups has cleared the way for a 30-acre land swap that would allow the site to be brought into McMinnville's urban growth boundary, while removing other Evergreen property from development. Voters still have to approve the swap in a May election.

Nestled amid Yamhill County's signature vineyards -- producers of Evergreen's own Spruce Goose label -- the museum's modified A-frame structures are airy confections of glass, concrete and stone aggregate. Bauer said the planned lodge and water park will differ in design because of functional differences, but will feature the same quality construction.

Because the museum is a destination location, the lodge will offer higher-end accommodations, Bauer said. The interior will feature a rustic lobby with a lodge-type feel. Compared to most overnight offerings in the area, rates will be higher priced, but specific rates haven't been calculated, he said.

One exception will be the nearly completed 85-room Allison Inn & Spa, being built about 15 miles to the east near Newberg and also conceived as a destination resort. The Allison, however, will cater specifically to wine-country tourists. Rooms there will start at $295 a night.

"A place to stay is one of the top requests we get from visitors," Bauer said. "The lodge will fill a niche. The museum isn't the only attraction that makes Yamhill County a destination location.

"Vineyards, wineries and local events are also a draw. The water park will add to that appeal. Local tourism in general will benefit from this expansion," Bauer said.

Even during the current economic recession, Yamhill County continues to become better known as a destination location, said McMinnville Mayor Rick Olson. The proposed lodge would provide higher-end accommodations, he said. something the city currently lacks.

"Lodges bring a different perception," Olson said. "When I think of lodges, I think of wood beams, stone fireplaces, overstuffed furniture and an exterior that esthetically fits the area.

"When you factor in visitors to Linfield College, sometimes it's very difficult to book a room in McMinnville," he said. "We don't have enough hotel rooms to support what we have to offer."