New Scout Lodge to open in September

By KYLE ODEGARD

Gazette-Times reporter

PHILOMATH - Pillars around the Philomath Scout Lodge provide almost a neoclassical feel, a repetition and stateliness reminiscent of Greek buildings - even if the columns are peeled Douglas fir logs.

The centerpiece of the lodge is its great room, a huge space that can seat 175 people. It has 20-foot-high exposed cedar ceilings. The west wall is a bank of windows 15 feet high and 25 feet wide. On a sunny day, the glass panels frame a stunning view of Marys Peak.

Wow factor, you ask?

"When people come out here who have invested in the building, we want them to say, 'Holy cow,'" said Neil Richardson, an architect who volunteered his time for the project.

"I think I've said this 100 times. We never ever realized it would be like this," said Bill Mayer, president of the Scout lodge effort. "It's incredible."

The building itself has two wings. On one side, there are an office and a recreation room. On the other, there are classrooms and lab space. In the center area are the great room, a fireplace area and a 30-foot tall tower room with a chandelier.

The wings could be fenced off, to make it cheaper to rent spaces for weddings and parties. Organizers hope rentals will subsidize youth visits, and they hope to make the space available for schools and other kids organizations for free.

The structure is nearly finished, but not quite. The grand opening initially set for July 4 has been moved up to Sept. 27. The public is invited to a series of sneak previews this summer, however, with the first set for tonight from 5 to 6:30.

The cost of the 11,000-square-foot building, estimated at $1.5 million, has risen to $1.7 million because of additions to the design, such as a new sprinkler system.

The weather has been a major factor in delaying the construction. Crews needed 10 dry days to begin septic work, but this spring has included little sunshine.

"All the interior is pretty much done," Mayer said. About 85 percent of fundraising is complete, as well.

The cost of the building would have been much higher - Richardson estimated $2 million or more - had local businesses not donated materials or a percentage off bills.

Mayer said that figure didn't include 5,000 volunteer hours on the project. When the project is complete, Mayer estimated the lodge would be worth a total of $4 million, including the land, structure and labor. He thinks that's not bad for a group that was collecting cans and holding spaghetti feeds to raise money just a few years ago. The project started eight years ago, and construction began last September.

Organizers said the Scout lodge will be available for use by youth organizations and local schools. It's sited on 58 acres at the east end of town, and much of the former mill site will remain undeveloped, so children can learn about the outdoors and enjoy nature.

The land includes access to wetlands and ponds. Three miles of public trails are being laid out.

Mayer said that years ago, when he first brought up the idea of a Scout lodge, many people looked at him like he was crazy. "Lots of people. … You don't want to go back and say, 'I told you so,' but you get a big grin on your face."

He said the Philomath Scout Lodge effort now has become an inspiration to other nonprofit groups in Benton County.

"If you're really willing to roll up your sleeves and do the hard work, your dreams can become reality," Mayer said. "We have done some for our community that will last for decades."

To get to the Philomath Scout Lodge, take Clemens Mill Road for about a half-mile north of Highway 20/34. Turn into the second gate on the left.

Kyle Odegard can be contacted at kyle.odegard@lee.net or 758-9523.