Cascades Inn Bloomington

About

Welcome to the Cascades Inn - a unique, family-friendly motel close to all the special attractions Bloomington and Indiana University have to offer.

Story

About Us

Cascades Inn is a renewed and renovated motel and conference facility in Bloomington, Indiana, just blocks from downtown and from Indiana University. Our goal is a relaxed, friendly atmosphere, where guests don’t feel they are trapped in their room but can lounge in the lobby area or hang out in the courtyard. Cascades Inn provides a welcome alternative to the chain hotel experience. Located in an enhanced natural setting, we are dedicated to a community-based, environmentally focused mission.

Constructed in 1964 by Holiday Inn, the 100-room facility was a hot spot for local hospitality, restaurant, bar and ballrooms, set close to all the best Bloomington and Indiana University had to offer. In the 1990’s the Holiday Inn moved just around the corner and the property became the Ramada Inn. Over the years, the property has held a Comfort Inn, an Econolodge, and has been operated independently. The original mid-century modern inspired design became partially hidden and obscured by additions and alterations over the years.

Cascades Inn, Inc., a locally owned, independent company, took over the property in November 2014 and over the winter began extensive renovations. The full renovation will be phased in over 3 years. Initially we are focusing on restoring and refurbishing a limited number of rooms, the lobby, dining room, and bar, and on exterior restorations.

In Phase 1 of the restorations, we will also begin our long-term landscaping plan: a treed courtyard with running stream and water features and lush perennial garden, with an emphasis on native plants and wildflowers. We will plant a full vegetable and herb garden, with extra produce going to Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard and the Hoosier Hills Food Bank. Behind the Inn, on the wooded bank leading down to Cascades Park, we will be removing invasive shrubs and vines, and planting native wildflowers, and creating areas to sit and relax in the woods overlooking the Park and creek.

Cascades Park
Cascades Inn is located on a wooded bluff overlooking Bloomington’s oldest city park, Cascades Park, which follows a rushing stream along old Highway 37. Cascades Park has shelters, barbeques, walking trails, a creek and waterfall, softball fields, and a state-of-the-art playground. Cascades Golf Course is also part of Cascades Park.

Project List

2015 Phase I (In progress)

Renovate and refurbish 30 rooms in the south wing
Remove stucco covered Styrofoam over old brick walls

Restore rooflines currently covered by metal panels

Update light fixtures and install LED bulbs throughout

Renovate and restore 25’ x 50’ pool

Create street-front community garden

Replace toilets with new water saving models

Obtain free bikes for guests

Place recycling facilities in every room

Create running stream and water features in courtyard

Construct deck in park overlook


2016 Phase II

Establish Community Partners Program: A guest discount aligned with donations to local community and environmental non-profits

Renovate and refurbish an additional 30 rooms in the west wing, with a view of the park

Restore deck area on 2nd floor of west wing, overlooking park

Renovate 4000 square foot event space

Create murals in lobby/dining room

Landscape additions towards plan

Convert roof top deck overlooking pool/courtyard

Establish green roof on front porte cochere/front awning

Build Gazebo gazebo in park overlook

Build stairway to Cascades Park


2017 Phase III

Install rooftop solar panels

Install solar thermal hot water system

Establish green roof on main building

Additions to landscaping toward plan