Mohawk Trail Motel to Undergo Renovations

By Jen ThomasPrint Story | Email Story
The Whitcomb Summit Motel will renovate all 18 of its units by next spring.
Florida - In continuance operation since 1920, the Whitcomb Summit Motel and Cabins on Route 2 have developed a reputation as a prime Berkshire vacation destination, complete with a mountaintop view of the surrounding area. On Thursday, Ed and Carol Drummond, the owners of Whitcomb Summit, announced a new partnership with area property developer Eric Rudd and Jae’s Inn owner Jae Chung to revitalize the 18.5-acre property into a condominium-motel resort. Restyled as the Whitcomb Summit Resort, the completely renovated real estate will boast 50 units in total - 18 large motel rooms and over 32 individual cabins - adding onto the nine cabins already existing. Ed Drummond, who has owned Whitcomb Summit for six years, said the renovations of the existing structures are projected to be completed by next spring, but erecting the 10-15 additional cabins will take longer. “This is a project I’ve wanted to do for a long time and with this partnership, we’re fortunate enough to be able to do so,” said Drummond. As part of the overhaul, “the highest point on the Mohawk Trail” will welcome Jae’s Whitcomb Summit, a British-style pub serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. “There’s a lot to be done but it’s something that’s worth putting the work into,” said Drummond. New Ownership To help support the transformation, the partners intend to sell individual properties to owners at a low price, hoping that investors will turn a profit once tourists flock in. “As a way to finance this transformation and preservation, as well as to maintain everything for years to come, the motel rooms and cabins are being offered to individual users and investors as the first condominium-motel in the region,” according to materials provided by Rudd. Owners of the property have full access to all the facilities while lodging at Whitcomb Summit. When not in personal use, the condominiums will be rented, a system the collaborators hope will pay for the investors’ expenses and possibly even become profitable. Currently, cabin units are available for $89,995 and motel rooms for $44,995, at an “early bird” discounted rate. The larger motel rooms (360 square feet) will go for $54,995 and suites are $74,995. New England cabins with one bedroom plus pull-out couch for additional guests with own private porch range from $89,995 to $119,995. Drummond said the establishment will continue to be run as a motel throughout renovations and construction, offering all the regular outdoor activities in both the winter and summer months. The partners intend to maintain the rustic style of the buildings as an extension of Berkshire County’s countryside appeal. “The changes will be great for the town and the Mohawk Trail because we want to bring it back to the way it used to be,” said Drummond. For more information on the Whitcomb Summit Resort and the renovation, visit www.whitcombsummit.com. Jen Thomas may be reached via email at jthomas@iberkshires.com or at (413)663-3384, ext. 23.
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Multiple Departments Respond to Lanesborough Structure Fire

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

LANESBOROUGH, Mass. — Multiple fire departments responded to a structure fire off Narragansett Avenue on Wednesday afternoon. 

The Fire Department received a call from the owner of 6 Bangor St. reporting smoke and flames at around 1:44 p.m.

Firefighters arriving on scene reported heavy smoke emanating from the 1940s single-family ranch home in the thickly settled neighborhood.

The blaze was brought under control in less than an hour and there were no civilian or firefighter injuries. 

"The homeowner was outside doing some work, evidently, opened the door when she came back in the house, and there were flames and smoke, so she backed out and called us, and that's all we know right now," Deputy Fire Chief Glen Storie said around 2:35 p.m. 

The fire was out at that time, and first responders observed "quite a bit of damage" to the home. The cause is still under investigation. 

Lanesborough, Cheshire, and Pittsfield departments responded to the scene, and Hancock covered the station during the call. 

"The first crew in knocked the fire right down with the first engine," Storie said. 

Smoke could be seen coming from the back of the home. Part of Narragansett Avenue and Bangor Avenue were blocked off while firefighters battled the blaze. 

 

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