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A public hearing is scheduled on Monday to review plans to turn the historic Wigwam into a hotel.

North Adams' Historic Wigwam To Become Hotel

By Andy McKeeveriBerkshires Staff
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Update, Tuesday,  Dec. 14, 11:02 a.m.: The Planning Board swiftly approved the plans for the Wigwam house and cabins on Monday night. Owner Nancy Fitzpatrick and Bruce Finn, general manager the Porches, attended the meeting along with architects and designers for the project. According to a report in the North Adams Transcript, Finn said the century-old landmark "captures the imagination and the spirit of adventurous guests by recalling the nostalgia of bygone days of the motor tours on Route 2."


At least two additional cabins are planned to be built on the Wigwam property.
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The Planning Board on Monday will review renovation plans to turn the "Wigwam" house, on the summit of Route 2, into a hotel and add more guest cabins to the property.

The two-story house that was last used as a single-family residence, six rentable cabins and a gift shop currently sit on the 3.8-acre land. Nancy Fitzpatrick of the Red Lion Inn in Stockbridge and Porches Inn purchased the property this past summer for $275,000 as LMNO Properties.

A public hearing is scheduled for Monday at 6 p.m. on Fitzpatrick's request to build at least two additional cabins, renovate the house into four hotel rooms and lease the gift shop. A long-term goal of rebuilding a Western Summit lookout tower is also on the radar. The business would be managed by the Porches in the city's downtown.

Since the 1920s, the Wigwam has been a destination stop because of its scenic view of Mount Greylock and the North Adams valley. Last year, it was included in Berkshire Natural Resources Council's purchase of about 700 abutting acres to build a trail system. The gift shop closed last fall and the cabins were last opened in 2008.

The plans are available at City Hall and include the following:


•  The house will maintain its current footprint and dimension. Renovations include installing four guest units in the two-story structure.  One of the ground-level units will be for extended stays and will include a kitchenette/living room, a bedroom and a small loft that could fit one bed. The other ground-level room will be handicapped accessible with a two-person loft. 

The house will have a total sleeping space for eight to 11 people with a small kitchen that can be used for catering and on-site events.  Also planned is an indoor hot tub and a fire pit next to it. The house will operate year-round if there is high enough demand.

There will be eight to 11 cabins. One of the current cabins needs to be demolished and rebuilt. Each cabin can accommodate two people and could be rented from Memorial Day until Columbus Day.

The gift shop will continue to operate as that although the vendors would change. The current signs will be removed until a suitable tenant can be found to lease the shop. The shop would not only sell souvenirs but also cold drinks, fudge and possibly ice cream.

If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Berkshire County Homes Celebrating Holiday Cheer

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

There's holiday cheer throughout the Berkshires this winter.

Many homeowners are showing their holiday spirit by decorating their houses. We asked for submissions so those in the community can check out these fanciful lights and decor when they're out.

We asked the homeowners questions on their decorations and why they like to light up their houses.

In Great Barrington, Matt Pevzner has decorated his house with many lights and even has a Facebook page dedicated to making sure others can see the holiday joy.

Located at 93 Brush Hill Road, there's more than 61,000 lights strewn across the yard decorating trees and reindeer and even a polar bear. 

The Pevzner family started decorating in September by testing their hundreds of boxes of lights. He builds all of his own decorations like the star 10-foot star that shines done from 80-feet up, 10 10-foot trees, nine 5-foot trees, and even the sleigh, and more that he also uses a lift to make sure are perfect each year.

"I always decorated but I went big during COVID. I felt that people needed something positive and to bring joy and happiness to everyone," he wrote. "I strive to bring as much joy and happiness as I can during the holidays. I love it when I get a message about how much people enjoy it. I've received cards thanking me how much they enjoyed it and made them smile. That means a lot."

Pevzner starts thinking about next year's display immediately after they take it down after New Year's. He gets his ideas by asking on his Facebook page for people's favorite decorations. The Pevzner family encourages you to take a drive and see their decorations, which are lighted every night from 5 to 10.

In North Adams, the Wilson family decorates their house with fun inflatables and even a big Santa waving to those who pass by.

The Wilsons start decorating before Thanksgiving and started decorating once their daughter was born and have grown their decorations each year as she has grown. They love to decorate as they used to drive around to look at decorations when they were younger and hope to spread the same joy.

"I have always loved driving around looking at Christmas lights and decorations. It's incredible what people can achieve these days with their displays," they wrote.

They are hoping their display carries on the tradition of the Arnold Family Christmas Lights Display that retired in 2022.

The Wilsons' invite you to come and look at their display at 432 Church St. that's lit from 4:30 to 10:30 every night, though if it's really windy, the inflatables might not be up as the weather will be too harsh.

In Pittsfield, Travis and Shannon Dozier decorated their house for the first time this Christmas as they recently purchased their home on Faucett Lane. The two started decorating in November, and hope to bring joy to the community.

"If we put a smile on one child's face driving by, then our mission was accomplished," they said. 

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