The Silver Bay YMCA campus on Lake George is an important grouping of Adirondack vernacular resort structures situated in a spectacular natural setting. Hepbron Hall, formerly known as Forest Lodge, represents an architectural style that captures early Adirondack rustic construction.
It is one of 32 significant buildings on the campus, built by a succession of owners between 1880-1925 and reflecting regional architectural influences in terms of their rustic style design features, scale, and native construction materials.
The Silver Bay campus is a rare and important recreational facility that preserves the atmosphere of early Adirondack resort life. Since 1904, the complex has been owned and administered by the Silver Bay Association of the YMCA as a conference center and family retreat. This long continuity of use contributes to the historical significance of the property and preserves its overall integrity.
It is believed that Hepbron Hall was built to provide housing for workers who were building the North wing of the Inn. Later, it was used to provide guest lodging for individuals and families who did not have the means to stay in some of the other cottages and rooms on campus. (You can learn more about its history here).
Currently, the structure’s foundation supports are deteriorating, and the building has become unstable. It is a beloved and significant building to many who have experienced a stay on the Silver Bay campus where renewal and rejuvenation prevail.
The building is now condemned due to its structural failing and stands at a crossroad facing demolition unless it can be stabilized and repurposed.
Walt Lender Silver Bay YMCA’s VP of Development and Government Relations, said Silver Bay’s hope is to convert the building into affordable lodging for families once it is fully stabilized.
“Silver Bay truly hopes that the recognition we receive for Hepbron Hall will position us to save it from destruction and breathe new life into this iconic building, returning it to service as a place to make new memories,” Lender said.
The Preservation League of New York State has included the Hepbron Hall on the 2025-2026 Seven to Save list. The list highlights New York’s most endangered historic sites and the League offers listed places wider visibility, assistance with advocacy, and technical services.
For more information about the Seven to Save program and this year’s list, click here.
Source link
