Build Me Up: Inside the Nordic-Inspired Omni Viking Lakes Hotel

The past year has brought countless changes and challenges across nearly every sector of the economy. But perhaps no industry has been as deeply uprooted as the hospitality industry. As the COVID-19 pandemic swept through the U.S., hotels and event centers were forced to close their doors. But construction of the Omni Viking Lakes Hotel, a 14-story, 320-room hotel loaded with amenities, part of the Viking Lakes mixed-use development in Eagan, Minnesota, persevered throughout the pandemic.

The luxury hotel opened its doors in October with a full-service spa, two dining spaces, an outdoor terrace and bar, 35,000 square feet of event space, and more. On the latest episode of Kraus-Anderson’s Build Me Up podcast, KA Senior Project Manager Mark Miller, ESG Principal Architect Terry Gruenhagen, and Omni Hotel General Manager Brent Glashan discuss the innovative Omni Viking Lakes Hotel and how it came to be amidst a pandemic.

Designing to Honor Minnesota’s Nordic Traditions

[perfectpullquote align=”left” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”#CC0202″ class=”” size=”18″]”The Nordic architectural tradition … was really the inspiration for the hotel. Being a lifelong Minnesotan, it’s just part of our culture. You grow up learning all those values of relentlessness, innovation, common sense, and the idea of craft is really strong in our culture.”[/perfectpullquote]The Omni Viking Lakes Hotel was designed to embrace local Minnesota culture. The building is embedded with subtle Nordic flavor throughout, with small details making the project unique. The moment guests enter the hotel lobby, they are met with three large wooden pillars, hand carved by a local artist. Wood carving is a strong Nordic tradition, and the wood pillars serve as an anchor to the theme when you enter the hotel. The hotel was designed with the Minnesota Vikings team and visiting sports fans in mind, but it was not intended to be a hotel all about football. Instead, it honors Minnesota’s history and culture, with subtle details like fireplaces, wall coverings, and Nordic-inspired treatments at the hotel’s spa.

Opening a Hotel Amidst a Pandemic

When the Omni Hotel opened its doors in October, they remained optimistic that the hotel would serve the community well despite the restrictions. While the COVID-19 pandemic put a major strain on the hospitality and events industry over the past year, the Omni team is reenvisioning how the industry can thrive through a pandemic.

While the hotel isn’t yet able to utilize its event space for large gatherings, it is seeing more frequent, smaller meetings. They aren’t able to host large galas with plated dinners at this time, but they are shifting their service model to meet COVID-19 social distancing requirements. One option being a “viewing party” hybrid model, where they can host a gala or event in one space with limited attendance while utilizing technology streaming for other guests to view it throughout the hotel in hospitality suites.

Business travel has majorly declined over the past year, which has been a hit to the hospitality industry. But Omni is seeing more people from the community taking “staycations” to stay safe while still getting out of the house. With a plethora of amenities for the community like a pool, spa, and dining options, Omni is shifting its focus to individual travelers while large events are on hold.

For a more in-depth conversation on the Omni Viking Lakes Hotel, the design and construction process, and how they are operating amidst a pandemic, tune in to the latest episode of Build Me Up. You can subscribe to Build Me Up wherever you listen to podcasts.