Wakonda Lodge

Wakonda Lodge was built in 1905 by Spencer and Katrina Trask as their first attempt at an artist's retreat. Art students from the New York Arts Club held their first retreat at Wakonda where Georgia O'Keeffe was a registered guest-artist. Due to lack of funds, Wakonda fell into a state of disrepair and closed to guests.

In October 2006 we received a matching grant from the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) for the stabilization of Wakonda Lodge. Architect Marilyn Kaplan of Preservation Architecture and engineering firm Ryan-Biggs Associates, P.C. prepared the design specifications, and Prize Construction carried out the project.

The following work to stabilize Wakonda began in 2008, and was completed in 2009:

• Replacement of selected foundation piers, which are now secured into underlying bedrock and faced with stone collected from the original piers,
• Replacement and reinforcement of rotted floor framing,
• Repair and replacement of rim joists and 1^st floor railings columns and railing,
• Restoration of both chimneys,
• Selective replacement of missing and damaged roof slate, and the addition of copper ridge, gutters and downspout, and
• Replacement of first floor porch decking.

The cost of the project to date is approximately $260,000. One-half of the $260,000 is reimbursable by SHPO. We received a $50,000 grant through Senator Betty Little's office, administered by NYS Office of Parks, and applied it to this project.

We have borrowed approximately $184,000 from the Capital District Community Loan Fund, and are making interest only payments until June 2010, at which time we must start to make monthly payments of both principle and interest.

There is more work to be done before guests can return to Wakonda Lodge:

• Replace flooring on second floor porch
• Repair and replace interior walls as needed
• Replace and upgrade electrical system to meet current code requirements
• Replace bathroom fixtures as needed to create fully functioning bathrooms
• Repair or replace as required select windows and doors
• Clean and refurnish

Estimated cost of remaining work: $150,000 to $200,000.

Contributions of every amount are needed. To make a donation towards the restoration of Wakonda Lodge, click here.