Mount Greylock Tower To Undergo $2 Million Renovation
 Both Bacom Lodge, on the left, and the War Memorial Tower are being renovated. |
On Tuesday, Gov. Deval Patrick announced the release of $1.2 million from the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, which will be matched with a $800,000 federal earmark. The tower has been closed to the public since August of 2013.
Additionally, the state Department of Conservation and Recreation will spend $300,000 in repairs to Bascom Lodge.
The tower was constructed in 1931 and now the mortar joints are deteriorated, and the interior finishes and utilities were damaged by water. The water damage ultimately led to the closing of the tower.
The work includes exterior masonry repairs, sealants, metalwork, the HVAC system, ventilation, dehumidification, hazardous material abatement, electrical, light fixtures, relocation of equipment and the building of a new ramp into the chamber. The chamber will be restored and the finishes, doors and widows.
The Bascom Lodge work includes window replacement, masonry, carpentry, drainage, new stairs, reconfiguration of the bathrooms and work on the south porch exit.
The 93-foot tower was built by Boston-based architects McGinnis and Walsh. It is to honor residents who died in World War I and then subsequent conflicts.
The domed chamber was interned to store tablets and war relicts. The tower is lit by six 1,500 watt bulbs and can be seen from as far as 70 miles away.
The tower repairs come on the heels of DCR completing a renovation of the 13.5 miles of road leading to the tower and major upgrades to the visitor's center.
Mount Greylock State Reservation was created in 1898 as the state's first public land for preservation. The summit, at 3,491, is the tallest natural point in Massachusetts. More than 250,000 people are estimated to visit each year.
The $800,000 from the federal government is scenic byway money earmarked by former U.S. Rep. John Olver in 2009.
Tags: Mount Greylock, renovation,
