MORGANTOWN — After 20 years as the backdrop for weddings, reunions, football weekends and memories of all kinds, BOPARC is making its lodge atop Dorsey’s Knob the center of some much-needed attention.
The lodge near Sky Rock and its panoramic view of the Monongahela River Valley began life as a residential home.
When Dorsey’s Knob came under BOPARC’s umbrella around 2002, the home was completely renovated and opened for reservations.
“It was starting to see some wear and tear, as can be expected in the hospitality industry,” BOPARC Executive Director Melissa Wiles said. “We also wanted to upgrade the visitor experience, given that consumer expectations have changed and evolved over the past two decades.”
So BOPARC dipped into its sales tax allocation, and using a combination of contracted and in-house expertise, set about giving the popular attraction new life.
The lodge recently reopened after a nine-month, $450,000 upgrade.
The renovations were extensive and included a total replacement of the deck, with an extended patio area and outdoor fireplace. The lodge’s siding, windows and doors were replaced. The parking lot was repaved and the property was surrounded with new fencing and landscaping.
Inside, some flooring, baseboards and drywall were addressed, along with some of the lodge’s dated features. A second-floor bathroom was renovated and another bedroom space was added.
That was just phase one.
Wiles said the lodge will be closing down again at some point to complete the makeover, estimated at another $175,000 to $200,000.
That work will include a new roof and kitchen remodel, as well as the replacement of some flooring.
“We also have a small slip on the hill behind the lodge that will get a retaining wall to assist with that issue,” Wiles said. “We are still in the process of getting the schedule for Phase II worked out.”
The lodge sleeps as many as 16. It currently has a waiting list that BOPARC is working through.
Wiles said weekends stay booked steadily throughout the year. Week-long rentals pick up in the summer and run through the holidays.
“It’s popular for family reunions, vacations and during football season. We also have our share of day rentals for meetings and retreats, where we will utilize the main floor and the lower floor only,” she said.
BOPARC is still working to update the pricing structure for future rentals.
Contact BOPARC at 304-296-8356 for more information or to inquire about bookings.
