Birkie Foundation plans to reimagine the Telemark Lodge
Oct 24, 2021 06:12AM ● By Editor
Photo: KBJR-TV
By Quinn Gorham of KBJR-TV - October 23, 2021
The American Birkebeiner Foundation plans to build a brand new facility on the property of the old Telemark Lodge.
The foundation purchased the property in February 2021, and has spent the last few months demolishing and removing material.
According to Allison Slavick, Director of the Capital Campaign for Telemark, the new project, called Mt. Telemark Village, markets itself as a hub of outdoor activities.
"We have a vision of restoring the old cross country ski trails that are here, putting in a trail center, sledding, ice skating, and lots of other amenities," said Slavick.
The project is still in it's starting phases, so nothing is set in stone just yet, but the foundation plans to build a brand new Nordic Center as a headquarters for those outdoor activities.
In addition, they hope to build an outdoor plaza where the old lodge once stood.
"Near the former entrance to the building we are planning to turn one or both of the elevator shafts into climbing walls," said Slavick.
Kate Barido with the Birkie Foundation, says the project will cost between $5 million and $8 million.
The property served as a starting line for some of the first Birkie races, and Barido said the foundation is excited to bring it back.
"To be able to be connected to a property like this is just incredible, it's a staple to the entire region and so is the Birkie," she said.
They hope to break ground on the project in early 2022.
To see the original post and related stories, follow this link to the KBJR-TV website. https://kbjr6.com/2021/10/22/reviving-a-regional-staple-birkie-foundation-plans-to-reimagine-the-tel...
