By next month’s end, the Mazama Lodge will finally have a new roof! Over the past year, we’ve stressed the importance of this step in caring for and maintaining the lodge, but there’s much more progress to report as we continue to prepare the facility for its much-anticipated re-opening.
Last March, the Board of Directors engaged consultant Chris Jaworski of Five Stakes to identify the steps required to open and operate the lodge as an overnight facility. The goal was, and remains, a phased reopening of the lodge—first to members and then to the general public—to transform the lodge into a revenue-positive asset that advances our mission, furthers brand recognition, and reflects our values.
Both a Mazama member and a board member, Chris’ familiarity with the organization provides him with critical insight into the successes and failures of past operating models, as well as our unique need to support our education programs through use of the lodge. Chris’ career in the hospitality industry means he also brings an acute understanding of the ins and outs of facility operations. Chris (who has, per board policy, disclosed a conflict of interest and does not vote on lodge-related matters) was hired specifically to:
1. Assess the lodge for health and safety compliance, and help us bring it up to code where needed
2. Develop and document standard operating and emergency management procedures
3. Identify and build relationships with potential vendors to support equipment, repairs, supplies, and food and beverage
4. Recommend a business model, including staffing operations and a reservation management platform
Inspired and excited by the prospect of what the lodge can ultimately be, it’s been an exercise in prioritization as we find solutions suited to our immediate needs and means as a non-profit. But with additional help from staff and volunteers, we’ve managed to make considerable progress in just five months. As we continue to chip away at both necessities and niceties, fire and kitchen safety now meet required standards, faucets, toilets, and pipes have been repaired throughout the building, procedure manuals have been created, preventative maintenance schedules have been established, and reliable phone and internet is on the way. As you may know, the lodge roof has been paid for thanks to members stepping up to make its fundraising campaign a success; the rest of the work has been supported by rental revenue earned over the summer from youth ski camps.
Key items we’re still working to resolve are the technical system for managing reservations and a staffing model that fulfills the need for both day-to-day management and big picture oversight. Cost efficiency is top-of-mind, though we recognize that a properly supported facility is a requirement of success.
Visually, the lodge still resembles itself with a few small exceptions. On the outside, the vent stack that protrudes from the west side of the roof has been rerouted and will be removed entirely with the new roof, as its position was contributing to the leaks. On the inside, staff is working to curate displays on the walls to tell the story of the lodge over the last 60 years. Additionally, membership has asked for a more flexible, user-friendly kitchen, as well as an environmentally sustainable carbon-neutral facility. Cautious to not get ahead of ourselves, we’re beginning to imagine what those larger upgrades might entail.
Again, first things first—we still have a few items to resolve before we can reopen to members. Once we’re up and running, we’ll be able to use real-time feedback to fine-tune our operations and generate the revenue we need to expand service. If you’d like to support the lodge, please consider attending our September 25 fundraiser, Steps Together, or making a charitable contribution in lieu of attendance. For the latest updates and announcements, keep your eyes on our eNews and the November/December Mazama Bulletin.