ARCO/Murray Completes Zion Canyon Hot Springs Design-Build Project

ARCO/Murray, a prominent design-builder renowned for national rollouts across various industries, is thrilled to announce the recent opening of Zion Canyon Hot Springs in Utah, US.

This expansive 20-acre resort is located in close proximity to Zion National Park and boasts nearly 50 mineral pools. This project marks ARCO/Murray’s second partnership with WorldSprings, the leading operator of outdoor hot springs in the US, following their previous collaboration on a venue at Dallas Grandscape.

Landmark Aquatic Development

ARCO/Murray commenced work on the Zion Canyon Hot Springs project in the spring of 2024. The site promises a unique experience focused on natural wellness and expertly designed aquatic systems.

The resort aims to offer restorative experiences that transport visitors from around the globe, featuring over 30 mineral-infused pools, including 16 that draw inspiration from international designs. In a significant partnership with the Utah Water Conservancy District, these pools are filled with natural mineral water sourced from the historic Pah Tempe Springs, located upriver from the resort.

ARCO/Murray was responsible for the design-build of the site, which included:

• Construction management of the 20-acre site. This encompassed extensive sitework, the creation of over 45 pools and aquatic features, locker rooms, barrel saunas, a commercial kitchen, an on-site café, visitor facilities, full-service bar windows, and VIP cabanas, among other amenities.
• Design of the controls and management of the installation and commissioning. This involved the mechanical, mineral water, and pool systems through Second Order Controls, a company affiliated with ARCO/Murray.
• Preconstruction management. This included permitting, land zoning conversion, traffic control studies, road improvements, and enhancements to utility infrastructure.
• Full design management. Covering architectural work (completed by HFA), MEPs, civil, and structural designs.
• Full 3D modelling. This involved complex underground piping systems across more than 40 feet of topographical change.
• Peer-reviewed mechanical design for aquatic features. This included a clash detection study and a sequence of operations.

The Zion Canyon Hot Springs location complements the nearby national park experience, providing hikers and adventurers with the perfect recovery destination.

“We’re thankful to the WorldSprings team for allowing us to contribute to this unique aquatic project,” states Dan Wagner, director of operations at ARCO/Murray. “Such developments require extensive technical expertise and the right partnerships. Our team is well-versed in the unique challenges involved and knows how to achieve high-quality results in this specialised field.”

Blake Peterson, WorldSprings VP of real estate and construction, adds: “ARCO/Murray has been instrumental in this project from the outset. Despite the complexities associated with a project of this nature, including intricate pool systems, significant site work, high-end finishes, and a remote location, they successfully adhered to the budget and timeline established 18 months ago.”

Prominent hospitality publications have already highlighted the Zion Canyon Hot Springs, including Travel + Leisure, which featured WorldSprings’ innovative approach to wellness-focused travel.

WorldSprings has rapidly positioned itself as the premier outdoor wellness destination in the US, with properties in Dallas, Texas, and Glenwood Springs, Colorado (operating as Iron Mountain Hot Springs). This year, it has expanded its footprint significantly with the launch of Zion Canyon Hot Springs.

Furthermore, WorldSprings has bolstered its executive leadership with the appointment of Vimla Black-Gupta as board director and advisor. The company has also recently unveiled its distinctive ‘Just Add Water’ brand identity, which offers a refreshing alternative to increasingly complex wellness trends by celebrating the simple, enduring power of mineral soak experiences.

Last month, ARCO/Murray and PINSTACK officially broke ground on their first joint venture. This 56,000-square-foot, two-floor state-of-the-art bowling and active entertainment venue is situated within the Kincora mixed-use development in Loudoun County, Virginia.