Niagara Falls is known as one of the most iconic tourist destinations in the world. With breathtaking views of the waterfalls, the area has become a popular vacation spot for travelers from all corners of the globe. Home to an array of entertainment, from casinos to theme parks, the city has attracted millions of visitors over the years. One of the most popular attractions in Niagara Falls is the Americana Resort. People often wondered who owns Americana Niagara.
The History of Americana Niagara
The Americana Niagara was opened in 1972 as the Imperial Hotel with just 100 rooms. Richard Haier, a well-known businessman in Niagara Falls, owned the hotel when it first opened its doors. In the following years, the hotel was sold to a number of different owners, and the property underwent a number of renovations that saw its size balloon to include over 200 rooms.
It was in 2016 that the hotel underwent its most significant transformation when it was purchased by Jim DiBellonia. With his extensive experience in the Niagara Falls tourism industry, DiBellonia saw great potential in the hotel and was eager to revamp the property to better reflect his vision. The grounds of the property were quickly expanded to include a grand banquet hall, an arcade, a restaurant, and a beautiful indoor waterpark.
DiBellonia rebranded the facility as the Americana Waterpark Resort and Spa to create a family-friendly atmosphere that has since been a hit with tourists. Under his leadership, the resort has undergone further renovations to offer a more modern, comfortable experience for its guests.
The Americana Niagara Today
The Americana Niagara has become a staple of the Niagara Falls tourism industry, drawing visitors from all over the world with its amazing accommodations, luxurious spa, and top-notch waterpark. The resort boasts over 200 rooms, a sprawling courtyard, and an indoor pool in addition to a glorious waterpark. The top-level hospitality offers great value for money and guests leave positive reviews.
As for who owns Americana Niagara, Jim DiBellonia is still at the helm, guiding the hotel’s development and working to ensure that his guests have the best possible experience during their stay.
Conclusion
The Americana Niagara has established itself as one of the flagship properties of the Niagara Falls hospitality industry today. It has come a long way from its days as the 100-room Imperial Hotel. Under the guidance of Jim DiBellonia, the resort has been expanded and renovated to create a new experience that meets the needs of modern-day tourists and families. After asking ourselves who owns Americana Niagara, it’s clear that the man at the helm is doing an admirable job of steering this iconic hotel into the future. If you’re ever visiting Niagara Falls, we strongly recommend taking a closer look at this amazing property.
FAQ
What is the oldest house in Niagara Falls Ontario?
The oldest house in Niagara Falls, Ontario is believed to be Whirlpool House, located at 3351 Niagara Parkway. It is a designated heritage building and is also known as the Whirlpool Inn.
Whirlpool House was constructed in the early 19th century, around the year 1818. The house was first owned by a man named James M. Colling. He was a Loyalist who fought for the British in the War of 1812. After Colling’s death, the house was acquired by James Oswald and became known as the Whirlpool Inn.
The house’s construction is noteworthy because it is one of the few early lath and plaster structures still in existence. The walls were constructed with lathe (thin, narrow strips of wood or metal) and plaster, which was a popular building method at the time. The structure has undergone various renovations and restorations over the years but still retains much of its original charm and character.
Whirlpool House is not open to the public, as it is currently a private residence. However, visitors can still view the exterior of the building and appreciate its historical significance. The property is also home to beautiful gardens and offers stunning views of the Niagara River and the Whirlpool Rapids.
Whirlpool House is widely regarded as the oldest house in Niagara Falls, Ontario, due to its early 19th-century construction. It is a designated heritage building and features a unique lath and plaster construction that is rare for buildings of its age. The property remains a beloved landmark in Niagara Falls and a testament to the city’s rich history and culture.
What happened to the American side of Niagara Falls?
The American Falls, one of the three waterfalls that make up the Niagara Falls, is an iconic natural wonder that attracts visitors from around the world. However, in 1969, the American side of the Niagara Falls had to be briefly closed off to tourists due to a unique event that occurred there. This event was the drying up of the American Falls.
The reason for drying up the American Falls was to gain insight into rockfalls and erosion that were happening there. Engineers and geologists were interested in understanding the geology of the rock formations and the erosion that was causing the falls to recede. To accomplish this, the American Falls were diverted so that the water could flow to the much larger Canadian Horseshoe Falls. The diversion was achieved by placing a series of cofferdams, which are temporary dam-like structures, across the Niagara River above the American Falls.
This diversion caused the American Falls to dry up for a period of five months from June to November 1969. During this time, the American side of the Niagara Falls was a barren rock face that revealed the geology of the rocks beneath the surface. The lack of water flow also allowed for extensive examinations of the rock formations, which revealed cracks and fissures that would have been impossible to see when the falls were flowing.
The diversion of water was a one-time event, and since the completion of the study, the American Falls has once again been restored to its natural flow. Today, visitors can enjoy the beauty of the American Falls, which is now a popular tourist destination with many observation points and activities such as boat tours and hikes. While the drying of the American Falls may have been a unique event, it brought valuable insights into the geology and preservation of this natural wonder for generations to come.