By SUE RYAN
News staff writer
September 12, 2007

The Columbia Gorge Best Western motel has dominated the riverbank next to the Bridge of the Gods for more than 10 years now in Cascade Locks.

Following a complete indoor remodeling last year, the Bausch family owners revamped the exterior this summer.

“We were looking for a rustic theme that fit the area,” said Kirk Bausch. “It was time for a change.”

Kirk is the son of Dan and Judy Bausch. They own the motel along with Kirk’s wife, Carol. Dan and Judy also own the adjacent Charburger Restaurant.

For the motel, they replaced the previous almond-colored siding. The walls are now painted in hues of forest green, chocolate brown and deep burgundy.

They hired an artist who drew on the colors of the natural surrounding landscape for the palette. The Bausches added rock to the mix.

“There were things we did differently by adding stone around the front to give it more of a rustic, lodge look,” Dan said.

Contractor Greg Sundby, of Allways Quality Construction in Stevenson, Wash., began the project July 9. He said the stone was more of what is known as a veneer, using a Country Ledge Stone.

The remodel included adding triangular peaks to the rooftop, which will be lit with a soft glow. Workers have also changed the entrance by adding a cedar ceiling to the portico and wrapping the tapered columns with stone.