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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Pittsfield Signs Negotiating Rights Agreement With Suns Baseball Team

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Suns will call Wahconah Park home again. 

On Tuesday, the Parks Commission accepted a negotiating rights agreement between the city and longtime summer collegiate baseball team, the Pittsfield Suns. It solidifies that the two will work together when the historic ballpark is renovated. 

It remains in effect until the end of 2027, or when a license or lease agreement is signed. Terms will be automatically extended to the end of 2028 if it appears the facility won't be complete by then. 

"It certainly looks like it lays out kind of both what the Suns and Pittsfield would like to see over the next year or so during this construction plan, to be able to work together and work exclusively with each other in this time," Commissioner Anthony DeMartino said. 

Owner Jeff Goldklang, joining virtually, said he shared those thoughts, and the team looks forward to starting negotiations. After this approval, it will need a signature from Mayor Peter Marchetti and the baseball team. 

The negotiating rights agreement recognizes the long-standing relationship between Pittsfield and the team dating back to 2012, and the Suns' ownership group's historical ties to Wahconah Park and the city dating to the 1980s. The team skipped the 2024 and 2025 seasons after the historic grandstand was deemed unsafe in 2022.  

The Suns were granted the exclusive right to negotiate in good faith with the city for a license or lease agreement where the Suns will be the primary tenant. During the terms of the agreement, the city can't negotiate or enter into an agreement with another party for leniency, licensing, or operation of Wahconah Park for professional or collegiate summer baseball. 

"The Parties acknowledge the historic and cultural importance of Wahconah park to the residents of Berkshire County and share a mutual goal of providing community access, engagement, and programming on a broad and inclusive scale," it reads. 

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