In
our last update a few days ago, we reported that the check-in area reopened with new desks and more. Part of the lobby’s center was blocked off and carpet had been ripped up for replacement. Within a few days, the entire central space was blocked by curtains, as seen above.
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Gray carpet underlayment was rolled out on large portions of the floor where carpet was previously removed. Crews started removing the old carpet from the other half of the space.
While we were checking out the lobby work, we also noticed there are quite a few lamp shades laying out. These are likely new ones that will be installed around the area.
Walkways are still available around the perimeter of the lobby for guests moving through the area. Crews were also repainting the planters.
By October 9, all the old carpet was gone and crews had laid out brand new carpet. The difference between the old faded, well-worn carpet and this brand-new vibrant carpet is clear. Though they both featured Victorian-inspired floral designs, the flowers on the new carpeting are bigger and the design takes up more of the space, rather than having a simple green dotted section around the exterior.
The new carpet has not yet been fully secured to the floor. There are still some edges and corners flipped up, plus some pieces that are not lined up with the rest of the carpet. Several crew members were on site Thursday morning.
The edge of the carpet is light brown. It was propped up on a planter near the Garden View Tea Room, having not yet been cut to shape.
The main color of the carpet’s center is blue, with the same dark filigree pattern as the new carpet in the check-in area. The large flowers are pink, purple, blue, and yellow.
The carpet had also not yet been properly cut around the birdcage bar. The bar will have a strip of tile flooring around it, which has already been installed but is covered by protective paneling.
The carpet will likely be completely installed within a few days, so the Grand Floridian can reopen some of the lobby’s lounge space.
Paneling has been removed from some of the planter walls around the edge of the lobby’s center. It looks like these are being refurbished or replaced. With the exception of those around the birdcage bar, the planters have mostly gone untouched during construction.
Birdcage Bar
The last few days have also seen more progress on the birdcage bar. Crews have continued to install faux wood paneling and counters. There are still some areas to be covered but this step appears nearly complete.
One spot that doesn’t have paneling yet is this corner of the roof. Currently, a bunch of wires is in the way.
There is a new decorative flower inserted in one of the panels at the center of the bar overhang. So far, no other panels have the decorative flower (or any art for that matter).
Painting & Wallpaper
The decorative shell-like element was removed from the balcony above the resort’s main entrance. The semi-circle left behind has been sanded and repainted white.
The same was previously done above the Garden View Tea Room. Both semi-circles will get new decorative elements featuring the Grand Floridian logo.
The birdcage elevator is back open. A new mural has been painted on the wall around the elevator doors. The mural features a vine-covered trellis, palm trees, and birds. Work isn’t complete in the space yet, as more will likely be painted on the white paneling above the doors.
From the first landing of the grand staircase, we could see crew members in the breezeway installing new wallpaper. This is the same black and white damask paper we’ve seen added to other areas of the lobby.
