“The stonework was in very good shape, except for certain locations,†said Project Architect Steve Kenat, AIA, of GBBN Architects, Inc. in Cincinnati, OH. “In certain areas, replacement and cleaning were needed for the project.â€
Initially built in 1880, the 55,000-square-foot, four-story structure is an architectural mix of eclectic Victorian Romanesque and Tudor Revival style. The building recently faced demolition to make the site into a parking lot before it was given to the American Cancer Society. A major addition was constructed in 1928 to house the Ursuline Academy, a private Catholic school. This most recent project involved gutting the inside and renovating the building to include 23 guest rooms with private baths, beds and closets. Additionally, an assessment of the exterior limestone led to cleaning and replacing some of the stone pieces to further enhance the Hope Lodge's appearance.