Commercial Design/Build Renovation
Transforming a Historic Landmark: The Lumber Jack Lodge Renovation
At Serenus Johnson Construction, we are always honored to work alongside long-standing partners, and our recent commercial Design/Build renovation with Forward Corporation was no exception. We were chosen to bring new life to the Lumber Jack Lodge in West Branch, a historic hotel with deep roots in the community. This renovation encompassed 42,000 square feet, including the complete overhaul of 80 guest rooms, public restrooms, the pool atrium, lobby, and a modern update to the exterior facade.
One of the standout aspects of this project was the tight construction schedule. With the hotel’s continued operations, we had to ensure that portions of the guest rooms remained available throughout the renovation to accommodate holiday and special event bookings. We embraced the challenge by employing a commercial Design/Build renovation approach—developing the design concurrently with the construction, without relying on formal pre-established drawings or bids. This approach allowed for flexibility and adaptability, ensuring the project’s success despite the ever-evolving nature of the work.
Overcoming Challenges in Material Handling
Like many construction projects in today’s world, we faced some hurdles with material procurement. Many items were sourced from international suppliers, leading to shipping delays that impacted the timeline. However, our team’s diligent planning and problem-solving ensured that we met deadlines, never compromising on quality.
Preserving History: A Nod to the Past
As a fifth-generation family-owned business, we recognize the importance of preserving the heritage of the properties we work on. The Lumber Jack Lodge holds a special place in the community, and we worked to maintain its historic features. One of the most meaningful elements of the renovation was the preservation of antiques that had been a part of the hotel’s original lobby. These items were carefully restored and re-imagined in a modern context, with some incorporated into the aesthetic design of the guest rooms and others prominently displayed in the corridors, atrium, and lobby areas. The blend of the old with the new helped breathe fresh life into the Lodge while retaining its timeless charm.
Pool Atrium: A Key Focus Area
Another focal point of the commercial design/build renovation was the pool atrium, where our team took on a variety of updates, including flooring, painting, and wall protection. The beauty of this renovation was in the details—our crew primarily self-performed the work, ensuring that every element was executed to the highest standard.
Project Completion
This ambitious, commercial design/build renovation project began in October 2023 and reached substantial completion in October 2024, bringing the updated Lumber Jack Lodge back to life with a blend of modern amenities and historical charm.
We are proud of the collaborative efforts of the project team, including:
- Project Manager: Dakota Brenske
- Project Foreman: Wes Tahash
- Subcontractor Team: Hock Painting, Cooper Electric, J & D Plumbing, Morse Clark, K2 Stoneworks, Glenn’s Tile & Carpet, Mike’s Custom Tile, Holsinger Manufacturing, Valley Carpet, Dobson Industrial, Maple Lane Variety Fab LLC, Dave’s Glass, PDS, and Valley Roofing Company.
This renovation is a testament to the strength of strong partnerships, effective communication, and a shared vision. We look forward to continuing our long-standing relationship with Forward Corporation and are excited to see the Lumber Jack Lodge thrive for many more generations to come.
See more posts about this exciting project here:
Forward Corp. November 20, 2024
Forward Corp, November 21, 2024
Serenus Johnson, December 10, 2024
Serenus Johnson Construction is Bay City’s Hometown Commercial General Contractor, specializing in Design / Bid, Construction Management, and General Contracting. With over 100 years in business, we have built a legacy of honesty, hard work and quality projects from start to finish. Our commercial clients are broad and include Educational Facilities, Financial Institutions, Manufacturing Facilities, Developments, Medical Facilities and beyond.
We work with each customer as individuals, with the understanding that our future success is built on a lasting relationship. We have built a reputation of superior workmanship and open communication with our customers. With over a century of experience, we have implemented procedures that provide consistency on every project and deliver the quality expected, on schedule, and at the agreed cost.