For more information and to support this project with a donation, please contact Director of Philanthropy, Elodie Lee at elee@gouldfarm.org, or 413-528-1804 ext. 61. Your gifts will help us continue to provide a nurturing and therapeutic environment for all who come to Gould Farm.
Gould Farm is thrilled to announce the upcoming renovation of McKee House, one of three guest residences on the Farm. Each of our residences has room for between 12-16 guests. All guests are given a private room with a shared bathroom. And each residence has a common living room, kitchen, and laundry space for all guests in the house to share. Additionally, each of our guest residences has a residential staff office as well as a room or apartment for overnight staff, should a need for crisis support arise in the night.
Before the pandemic, we identified improvements to McKee House as a priority. Initial inspections revealed that modernizing and expanding the guest rooms required a comprehensive renovation, and a new guest residence would be more cost-effective. Faced with soaring construction costs during and after the pandemic, our plans for a new guest house had to be reevaluated. With the guidance of architect Robert Harrison and the Building and Grounds Committee of the Gould Farm Board, a new renovation proposal for McKee House emerged, promising to serve our community well into the future.
The renovation of McKee House will encompass extensive updates to both the exterior and interior:
The exterior work includes a new roof, and the installation of new siding, windows, doors, and decking.
The interior of the first floor will transform, with all guest rooms to be updated with new furnishings, drywall, fresh paint, improved lighting, and carpeting. The bathrooms will be entirely remodeled.
The living area of the first floor will also be expanded by converting two guest rooms into a spacious living room with a kitchenette. This area will feature a refrigerator, sink, and dishwasher, providing a comfortable and functional space for our guests.
Additionally, the full walk-out basement will be upgraded to include two rooms for guest activities and laundry facilities, while the kitchen and remaining rooms will be converted into a much-needed staff apartment.
This renovation project is a significant investment in the future of Gould Farm. The work will be completed by Restorations Inc., the construction firm that recently completed building the new Roadside Store and Cafe.
Phase one of the renovations, which includes exterior work and the first-floor guest living area, will begin in September, and is projected to cost $750,000.
The second phase will include the basement renovations and is estimated to cost $250,000.
This phased approach allows us to begin immediate improvements while planning for future updates to the basement.
We are excited about the positive impact these renovations will have on our community and the guests living in McKee House, providing modernized, comfortable accommodations.
For more information and to support this project with a donation, please contact Director of Philanthropy, Elodie Lee at elee@gouldfarm.org, or 413-528-1804 ext. 61. Your gifts will help us continue to provide a nurturing and therapeutic environment for all who come to Gould Farm.
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