Kanuga undertakes largest capital project in its history
11.30.2015 - Giving to Kanuga, Inn Renovation
Under the leadership of Kanuga President Stan Hubbard, Kanuga is set to commence a comprehensive renovation of the 47-year-old Kanuga Lake Inn on December 1. The Inn is scheduled to reopen at the end of May 2016. Kanuga will not close during this time, but will remain open and offer alternative lodging in Historic Cottages and Guest Houses.
While the Inn remains structurally sound, it offers limited accessibility to guests with mobility challenges, lacks climate control and needs extensive updating to meet the requirements of today’s diverse guests and groups.
“For Kanuga to move into its second century, our Inn must be renovated to today’s standards,” explained Hubbard. “This is the largest capital project of its kind in Kanuga’s history and is crucial to Kanuga’s future.”
The $6.5 million renovations will include the installation of a new covered entry with easy access to the Inn, an elevator connected to the new entrance, and extensive renovation of rooms to provide accessible accommodations. In addition, rooms will be equipped with air conditioning that can be controlled by the room’s occupant. Most rooms will be upfitted with covered porches, and all rooms will receive a complete overhaul with new furniture, queen beds, lighting, and bathroom fixtures.
A critical improvement will be the replacement of electrical and plumbing systems, including upgrading the current electric strip heating with a more efficient system. That’s an improvement, Hubbard notes, that’s in line with Kanuga’s commitment to environmental stewardship.
The renovation is the first phase of a $15 million capital campaign, Restore & Renew: The Campaign for Kanuga. The ultimate goal of the campaign is to renovate Kanuga’s central facilities: the Inn, Lodge and Dining Rooms.
“Renovating the Inn will not only provide a richer experience for guests and better serve those with physical challenges, but it will also introduce Kanuga to new guests, growing the next generation of the Kanuga community,” said longtime Kanugan Richard Lee, co-chair of the capital campaign. “Also, a renovated Inn allows Kanuga to bring in a substantial amount of new mid-week and winter group business to bolster the off-season times.”
The architect, Scott Garvin of the award-winning Garvin Design Group of Columbia, SC, is an active member of the Kanuga community and was selected for the job after a competitive bidding process. His design firm is noted for renovating historic buildings, such as the renowned Peace Center for the Performing Arts in Greenville, SC, for which Garvin Design received the highest award by the American Institute of Architects. The Peace Center is regarded as the impetus for revitalizing the Greenville downtown district.
Triangle Construction Company of Greenville, SC has been tapped to complete the project. Triangle has extensive experience working on campuses, such as Furman University, under tight time constraints. They have guaranteed that the work will be completed within six months, with three shifts of crews working around the clock when needed to accomplish the task.
“We are deeply grateful to the generosity of the Kanuga community for making this momentous renovation possible,” said Hubbard.
According to Gary Giniat, vice president of advancement, $5.1 million has been raised in gifts, pledges and bequests towards the $6.5 million Inn renovation goal. “We still need to raise $1.4 million by the completion of the renovation in May,” said Giniat. “If a member of the Kanuga community has yet to make a tax-deductible contribution to this effort, I ask that they please make a gift today. Another option is to make a pledge over a period of up to five years. We will be grateful for all contributions of any amount.”
If you have questions about the renovation or wish to make your contribution to the capital campaign, contact Gary Giniat at 828.233.2816 or gary.giniat@kanuga.org. More information on ways to give to Kanuga.