As one of the oldest Great Camps on Lake Placid, Camp Cavendish has long been a retreat for families looking for rest and relaxation along the shores of this pristine lake in the Adirondack State Park. The historic boathouse, while still functional, was in need of restoration. Following an extensive assessment, it was determined that the best path forward would be to reconstruct the structural systems and repair the boathouse’s substructure followed by historically significant finishes. The footprint of the existing building would not be changed, but finishes, fixtures and equipment would be removed and updated to support a cohesive architectural fabric across the Camp. Interior spaces, including a kitchenette, bathroom, and bonus room, would be reconfigured for better function and to align with Owner’s needs.

To preserve historical significance and maintain the historic nature of the Camp, the boathouse remains on its existing foundation with the same number of boat slips. Newly installed structural steel that supports the structure is carefully hidden beneath wooden finishes, providing strength while maintaining architectural integrity. While the overall architectural style of the building remains the same, new exterior finishes were selected to match the main house.