Serving the Big Horn Basin for over 100 years
Serving the Big Horn Basin for over 100 years
Star Plunge project in Thermopolis includes luxury hotel
An overhead architect rendering of the purposed new construction at Star Plunge. Currently the project is in the master plan design stage.
THERMOPOLIS - Roland Luehne has worked for the Star Plunge in Thermopolis for 40 years now, serving as the owner of the establishment for the past three years. Luehne recently submitted a proposal for the expansion of the local attraction to the state.
"We get people from all over the world that come here year round," said Luehne.
He added, "An expansion to the park would benefit the community as a whole. It will be good for Thermopolis and Hot Springs County. Everyone will benefit, from the other hotels to the restaurants, gas stations, camp grounds, everybody. It will increase our tax revenues in the millions of dollars. Money we can use for all kinds of things that benefit everybody."
The proposed expansion of the Star Plunge that is located in the Hot Springs State Park includes a 100-room luxury hotel, additional splash park, wave pool, two new parking lots, and a Starbuck's-like restaurant.
Parking has always been a problem in Hot Springs State Park, according to Luehne. The 108 additional parking spaces in the proposal would eliminate a longtime issue.
"Since this is leased land, a loan would come through the state (of Wyoming). This loan would be paid back by me. It would be in the state's best interest and help everyone out," said Luehne.
Construction would take a projected two years, according to Luehne. Luehne is forming a masterplan for the project, and architect renderings of the project show a dramatic increase to the existing structure, including the rerouting of the current road.
"This would be a year-round attraction that will continually draw people to the area," said Luehne.
