Earlier in June of this year, the NY SDA Conference in conjunction with Union Springs Academy sought out architectural services from dl-Design Studio for their new project. Located near the coast of one of the Finger Lakes in upstate New York, the Conference plans to develop the hospitality and tourism sector in their community. After extensive research into the needs and strengths of the local area, a draft was prepared for a grant letter proposing plans to build and renovate Oakwood Lodges. This would then be submitted to the review committee. In this post I explore this project and share helpful insights and tips on community development and architecture.

Let’s start with some context; grants for community development are designed to provide financial assistance for projects that enhance the economic, social, and environmental well-being of a community. They’re often used for improving infrastructure or developing tourism. In the context of the NY SDA Conference, the grant would help support the development and renovation of Oakwood Lodges, aiming to boost tourism and hospitality in the area, ultimately leading to economic growth and improved quality of life for residents. Examples of such grants include the Empire State Development Grants, New York Main Street Program, and the Market New York Grant Program.

When planning development and seeking grants, it’s important to conduct thorough research on the specific needs of the area. Also, ensure that your project aligns with the objectives and requirements of the grants you’re seeking. Different grants have different focus areas so tailor your application to highlight how your project meets that criteria. Detailed planning and budgeting is also a very important step of any venture, and working with a skilled architect allows you to navigate this process with ease. These topics will be explored further in future posts. For now, let’s review the project.

Major Nodes of connection:

Ball Park (BP) Node

Marina (M) Node

Business Center (BC) Node

Lake Park (LP) Node

Oakwood Lodges (OL) Node

Image #1 graphically depicts the relational elements of the Town of Unions Springs, New York and how the Oakwood Lodges can provide connection to the community at large. This project has a beneficial impact on tourism, as it is nestled on the edge of a sweeping landscape of residential and agricultural districts. The Lakefront Node is only a 10-12 minute walk, and close to several other nodes as well. This follows “Element 4” of NOAA’s “Smart Growth Principles” for coastal and waterfront areas.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is a scientific agency that focuses on the conditions of the oceans, major waterways, and the atmosphere.

Image #2 diagrams the location of the Oakwood Lodges within the context of the Union Springs

Academy property and highlights the proposed renovations and upgrades to the existing components of the campus park.

Immediately adjacent to the new lodges and pavilion are the existing cabins to be refurbished. At the northeast corner is a planned recreation park with tennis or pickleball courts, basketball courts and a future in-ground pool. The adjacent old shop-maintenance building will be renovated into a small convenience store. Also, in this area there is a planned, new children’s playground and nature park within the surrounding tree canopy.

Image #3 diagrams the Oakwood Lodges local site plan showing a potential conceptual layout for the new lodges and pavilion. The lodges are organized in small clusters surrounding a community courtyard for social gathering with integrated paver and vegetation landscaping, fire pit and BBQ grills. These lodge clusters will be screened by the new natural landscape buffer and the new pavilion. The pavilions location is adjacent to the roads and pathways allowing for easy access and the unique landscaping surrounding the pavilion for indoor/outdoor events; these act as an attraction to the larger neighborhood.

In conclusion, the journey of acquiring grants can be challenging but very rewarding. Through thorough research and detailed planning we were able to present this project but also present the positive impact it would have on the Union Springs community.

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