Big Spring Lodge and Cabins Restoration (Page 2)

Updates 2022 - February 2024

Older updates on the Big Spring Lodge & Cabins restoration (ending February 2024) can be found here.

 

A conceptual color pencil drawing of a historic stone and wooden building with people on the deck

NPS Photo

 

About the Project

The Big Spring Lodge and Cabins are a beloved feature of the Big Spring area and are a popular destination for visitors to Ozark National Scenic Riverways. They have been operated by private concessioners under contract with the National Park Service (NPS) as an essential visitor service for many years. 

This project will rehabilitate historic structures within the Big Spring Historic District, including the park’s dining lodge, cabins, and former museum building. The work includes:

• interior and exterior renovation of all structures, including removal of non-historic finishes;
• repair or replacement of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems throughout;
• installation of fire suppression systems;
• restoration of site features, retaining walls, trails, foot bridges, walkways, steps, and overlooks;
• landscape rehabilitation including water drainage issues and replanting native and historic vegetation;
• replacement of Big Spring boat dock using materials compatible with the historic district and installing an accessible route to connect it to the lodge; and
• modification of the interior and exterior of one cabin to meet the accessibility standards of the Architectural Barriers Act (ABA).

The project site, including the grounds immediately surrounding the lodge and cabins, is expected to be closed for the duration of the project. Hiking trail segments that pass through the construction area may be temporarily closed as necessary. Big Spring itself, the campground, pavilions, boat ramp, and most of the nearby hiking trails will remain open as usual throughout the course of this project.

 

Project Update/Progress Timeline:

• As of June 2022, the restoration of the historic Big Spring dining lodge and cabins is expected to begin in the summer of 2022 at Ozark National Scenic Riverways. The contract for the rehabilitation project was awarded to Blinderman Construction, Inc. from Chicago, Illinois, on April 6. Project managers have already been on-site to evaluate the structures, scout the local area, and begin development of the project schedule.
• Tentatively, the restoration project is expected be complete by mid 2024. Timelines could be adjusted slightly if any unforeseen circumstances arise during construction.

 

April 2024

With all the recent activity and planning for the eclipse, it’s been a while since we posted an update. But, the Big Spring Lodge & Cabins renovation has not been idle, and we have lots to report on! We'll start on the outside and work inward.

First, those retaining walls we keep going on and on about! The one at the lodge is nearing completion, with stone cladding now covering nearly all the concrete. Restoration work is also beginning on the fountain.

While we’re on the subject of landscaping: grass, shrubs, and trees are being planted around the cabins, restoring much-needed greenery. Flowering dogwoods and eastern redbuds will add a splash of springtime color!

The old boat dock has been demolished, and foundation pilings have been poured for a new one. The stairway between the lodge and boat dock has had a concrete core poured, and it's already getting stone cladding. The patio area - that many will remember as the front entrance to the lodge - is also getting some new stonework.

Finally, moving inside: finishing work is underway in the cabins, with some nearing completion. Interior work in the lodge has also begun in earnest, but no peeking just yet - we're waiting for that to get further along before we show what's happening!

There's still a lot to go, but completion of the restoration is on the horizon! As always, stay tuned for further updates.

 

 

May 2024

Lots more happening with the Big Spring Lodge and Cabins this month. Most of it is "more of the same," interior finishing work on the cabins, but we do have some exciting new tidbits to show off.

First is a look at the outside of the lodge, where the overgrown brush has been removed to restore the historic view of the spring branch and river.

Next, the cabin path system that connects the cabins to the lodge is getting a nice face-lift, and so is the walkway from the parking lot to the lodge, which is getting a new layer of stone cladding to match the steps and patio.

The boat dock is coming along, with work on the foundation completed and construction underway on the wooden walkways and boat landing area.

And finally, the icing on the cake: a glimpse at the interior work on the lodge! The original hardwood floors in the entry and main dining area have been put back into place, sanded, and refinished! A matching hardwood floor has also been installed and finished in the porch area, replacing the old, carpeted floor.

 

 

June 2024

We'd like to help you celebrate Independence Day this year with the latest update on the Big Spring Lodge & Cabins! With work now focused mainly on the lodge and surrounding area, we're excited for the latest developments!

First up this month, we have a great view of the iconic face of the lodge, looking good as the day it was built with new landscaping going in on the hillside.

Moving inside, new light fixtures are being installed to improve the ambiance and emphasize the historic woodwork and stonework.

Back over at the cabins, we can see the landscaping beginning to settle and grow in around the new walkways.

And finally, the wooden portions of the jonboat dock are complete, with just the access ramp to go!

 

 

Revitalizing the legacy of the Civilian Conservation Corps

Rehabilitating the cabins, dining lodge, and landscape will revitalize a historic district that features one of Missouri’s first state parks and one of the largest springs in the United States. Visitors will be able to enjoy not only improved lodging and dining facilities, but also additional recreational opportunities such as new hiking and biking trails, johnboat tours, and interpretive exhibits. Upon project completion, the park’s only concession-managed dining and lodging operation will again provide a historically rich, quality visitor experience in one of the premiere areas of the National Park System.

 

About the Civilian Conservation Corps in the Ozarks

Civilian Conservation Corps