Beardsley Architects + Engineers is pleased to announce that the Camp Cavendish Boathouse Restoration project in Lake Placid, NY, has been selected by AIA Central New York to receive a 2023 AIA CNY Citation for Design in the Dean Biancavilla Historic Preservation category. The awards program celebrates the achievements design excellence of Architects throughout Central New York and honors the client and design teams that work together to create and enhance the built environment.
As one of the oldest Great Camps on Lake Placid, Camp Cavendish has long been a retreat for families looking for rest and relaxation along the shores of this pristine lake in the Adirondack State Park. Visitors to the camp have included poet Robert Frost and numerous prominent politicians, and as such, its historical significance has warranted extensive restoration and preservation of the existing structures. The Camp’s main home was built in 1893, with the boathouse constructed within the same time frame. Before taking on major renovations to the main house, the Owners sought to restore the existing boathouse.
The historic boathouse, while still functional, was in need of restoration. Following an extensive assessment, it was determined that the best path forward would be to reconstruct the structural systems and repair the boathouse’s substructure followed by historically significant finishes. The footprint of the existing building would not be changed, but finishes, fixtures and equipment would be removed and updated to support a cohesive architectural fabric across the Camp. Interior spaces, including a kitchenette, bathroom, and bonus room, would be reconfigured for better function and to align with Owner’s needs.
To preserve historical significance and maintain the historic nature of the Camp, the boathouse remains on its existing foundation with the same number of boat slips. Newly installed structural steel that supports the structure is carefully hidden beneath wooden finishes, providing strength while maintaining architectural integrity. While the overall architectural style of the building remains the same, new exterior finishes were selected to match the main house.
Now newly reconstructed, the boathouse is once again a prominent feature in the cultural and architectural history of Lake Placid, and it has become a place where family and friends can enjoy the stunning views of the Adirondack Mountains.