Closed for repairs in 2005, the iconic Bear Mountain Inn overlooking Hessian Lake in Rockland County appeared as if it might never reopen.
But on Friday evening, Nov. 11, its doors opened to reveal a breathtaking renovation of the 1915 hand-hewn Adirondack style lodge, with much of its rustic looks intact ”“ brought up to 21st century amenities, including geothermal heating and cooling.
The black-tie affair drew people from around the state and around the globe whose families had taken part in the building of the original structure. Former Gov. George Pataki was also on hand to help cut the ribbon on the project he suggested so long ago.
Jim Hall, executive director of the Palisades Interstate Park Commission, said the total cost of the renovation was $15 million, cobbled together with a number of grants from the state, $2.5 million in private donations and another $1.5 million from Guest Services of Virginia, which has a 20-year contract with the commission to run Overlook Lodge and now, the inn itself. It features much of its original furnishings and flavor with a 225-seat catering facility and restaurant, separated by the huge second-floor fireplace that remains as is.
Hall says the hotel plans to be open in time for Christmas.
The former first floor is unrecognizable to people who may remember the maze of rooms and cafeteria-style tables that once filled it. The 1915 Café, complete with Adirondack-style furnishings, offers breakfasts and lunch, using local organic food and vegetables, wine from Brotherhood Winery in Washingtonville and beer from local breweries, along with pastries and breads from Rockland Bakery.
Its gift shop, Bear Mountain Trading Co., offers everything from maps of the hiking trails to crafts by area artisans. The main floor offers a smaller room for catering and parties, and there is a lounge for hotel guests.
Anne Perkins Cabot, who resides in Cold Spring and New Zealand, was on hand to tour the refurbished facility, oohing and aahing over the new hotel rooms, with handcrafted furnishings that were the vision of her grandfather, George Perkins, one of the commission founders who helped brainstorm the original inn. “It”™s really beautiful, with a lot of attention to keeping its rustic feeling intact.”
Guest Services Inc., which renovated Overlook Lodge and stone cabins on the other side of Hessian Lake, will be responsible for the daily operations of the Bear Mountain Inn as well. “They”™ve done a fabulous job in rebuilding the lodge and business,” Hall said.
PCI Inc. of Oak Park, Ill., was general contractor on the project. Hall said the 1915 Café and gift shop are now open to the public. He expects the restaurant to be open by next spring.
Comments 1