In February 2025, the French Cowboys team purchased Heidelberg Lodges, a beloved riverside resort located on the beautiful Comal River in New Braunfels, Texas—just steps from Schlitterbahn. The property has welcomed guests since the 1930s, offering cozy cottages nestled under towering pecan trees and overlooking the crystal-clear Comal Springs. Between the charming, German-style A-frame cabins and 2 full-size houses, there are 48 keys available to guests.
Following the acquisition, we immediately began a comprehensive $3 million renovation to reimagine the property while preserving its nostalgic charm. I was directly involved in budgeting and managing the full renovation scope, including all guest accommodations, amenities, and site improvements.
Our first priorities were guest-facing spaces to create visible, immediate impact for returning visitors. We began with a full pool renovation—my first ever—to ensure it reopened in time for the summer season, along with two model cabin prototypes that helped refine our design and construction approach before rolling out renovations across the property.
Updates to the clubhouse, pool area, and outdoor recreation spaces were strategically phased to enhance guest experience and build excitement about the resort’s transformation under new ownership. Every improvement was made with the goal of honoring Heidelberg’s long-standing legacy while elevating it for the next generation of visitors.
As part of establishing TXHC Construction LLC, our in-house construction arm, I had the privilege of creating the construction accounting system from the ground up—being the only team member with a general contracting background. We built our processes in QuickBooks, implementing a streamlined workflow for vendor payments, monthly bank draw requests, and financial reporting for French Cowboys ownership and investors. This foundation ensured accurate cost tracking and smooth communication across the development team.
Once the model cabins were complete and we had gathered feedback from guests and operations, I led the next phase of design and development for all guest rooms—ten unique room types in total. We managed everything in-house, from new floor plans and elevations to MEP modifications, material selections, and budget-conscious specifications designed for durability and long-term hospitality use.
All FF&E was custom-designed in partnership with Trio Hospitality, with careful attention to every fabric, finish, and detail to suit our guest demographic. It was an incredibly rewarding process—seeing thoughtful design decisions translate into a refreshed guest experience that captured both the charm and future vision of Heidelberg Lodges.
Exterior scope included a full renovation of the two communal pools, poolside decking, pool fencing, turf, all new poolside FF&E, and exterior painting of all buildings and roofs on the property.
Interior scope included a full renovation of 46 cabins, clubhouse, office, and back of house. The 46 cabins provide cozy guest rooms for loyal customers who deserve a major upgrade to their beloved hotel. Interior cabins were completely gutted and reimagined with new finishes, MEP, appliances, and FF&E for a modern and inviting feel, all while keeping the Texas Hill Country glamping charm. Custom FF&E was designed and procured with trusted hospitality furniture provider, Trio Hospitality.
