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into disrepair and needed extensive upgrades to be used again. It power, and trash, says Chris Adderson of Adderson Construction, who
would also have to meet an enormous checklist of requirements from finally began construction after four years of planning. “A huge portion
the forestry department, the State History Board, the Fish and Game of this construction is underground,” he says, “which no one will ever
Department, and the local Home Owners’ Association, among others. see.”
It would be a process of several years just to get a design approved at
every level. According to Wilkerson, every tree on the site was surveyed, along
with wildlife studies, historical considerations, and consideration for
Enter David Wilkerson of ORW Architecture in Medford. Wilkerson the neighbors as well. The entrance was relocated to reduce traffic
and DeBoers had worked together on a number of projects in the past, past existing cabins. Bat houses were built to provide creature housing
including work done for the YMCA (where Wilkerson has also served and natural pest control. Cabin spacing was adjusted to accommodate
on the board). “It’s always a pleasure to work with clients who are snow plows for winter access. And each change to the evolving design
engaged, knowledgeable, and passionate,” Wilkerson says. His own meant a new round of approvals as the plans matured. “There were
personal connection to the original camp and its location on a sensitive a lot of moving parts,” he says. Wilkerson also credits ORW partner
resource like Lake of the Woods made it even more compelling. Andy Owen for coming on board and staying with the project through
construction.
As plans progressed, the entire team had input into the end result.
“Sid and Karen really had the original vision,” says Molnar, “and David The process and the many parts have come together to create a year-
brought a lot to the design.” Architect, donor, builder, camp coordi- round-use facility that Molnar describes as “a dream come true.” The
nator, and consultants all remained committed to designing a quality camp not only blends beautifully into the lake’s environment, but has
camp experience to anyone that came through the gates. “Everyone has been carefully designed to combine past and present for a bright future.
been open to exploring ideas along the way,” adds Molnar, which has Several historic cabins were preserved for day-use options, a small
given both practical and aesthetic beauty to the final plan. museum/canteen sits just outside the new lodge with former camp
memorabilia, and even the trees that were felled now line the drives
The design phase also took so long to finalize because 100% of the and walkways of the campground. The camp features a grand one-story
infrastructure had to be built from scratch, including water, septic, lodge with commercial kitchen, two staff suites, two independent

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