Ventfort Hall Presents A Restorative History Of The Morgan Lenox Berkshire Cottage

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LENOX, Mass. — Join Executive Director Wendy Healey for an exploration of Ventfort Hall, the 28,000-square-foot brick and brownstone "cottage" built in 1893 for Sarah and George Morgan.

The talk will be held on Aug. 25 at 4pm.

As the sister of industrialist J.P. Morgan, Sarah Morgan's estate represented the height of Gilded Age society in Lenox. This presentation traces the mansion's journey from its origins as a pinnacle of opulence to its heroic rescue from the brink of destruction, stated a press release.

A tea will be served after her presentation.

Illustrated by a collection of archival images, the talk offers a deep dive into the architectural and social history of the estate. 

Morgan family photographs, follow its bohemian mid-century chapters during the Festival House and Fokine Ballet eras, and a period of subsequent change and physical deterioration.

The heart of this talk highlights the pivotal turning point in 1994, when a dedicated effort began to save the structure. Healey will share insights into the strategic initiatives and ongoing restoration journey. 

Wendy Healey is the Executive Director of Ventfort Hall Gilded Age Mansion & Museum, where she oversees strategic initiatives, fundraising, and community partnerships. She holds a BA in English Literature and an MBA from the University of Connecticut. During her tenure over the past three years, Healey has focused on the critical restoration and sustainability of the estate, leveraging her background in finance and the arts to ensure this architectural landmark continues to serve as a vibrant cultural center.

Tickets are $45. Members receive a discount code for $5 off all ticket prices. Students 22 and under are $22. Ticket pricing includes access to the mansion throughout the day of this event from 10 am to 4 pm. Reservations are strongly encouraged as seats are limited. Walk-ins accommodated as space allows. For reservations visit https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/ventforthall/items/722956/?full-items=yes&flow=1597425 or call  (413) 637-3206. Note that all tickets are nonrefundable and non-exchangeable. The historical mansion is located at 104 Walker St. in Lenox.

 

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Pennrose Breaks Ground in Lenox, Bringing 68 Units of Affordable Housing

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LENOX, Mass. — Pennrose announced the groundbreaking of 238 Pittsfield Road, a 68-unit affordable rental community.

The development will bring much-needed affordable, family-friendly housing options to the area.

The community will consist of 10 residential buildings offering a mix of 23 one-bedroom, 38 two-bedroom, and seven three-bedroom apartments. Of the 68 total homes, 57 will be affordable for households earning from 30 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI) up to 80 percent AMI, with the remaining 11 units available at market rate rents.

A community building at the entrance of the development will offer resident-focused amenities, including event space and a fitness center, along with on-site offices for Pennrose management and resident services staff.

"238 Pittsfield Road builds on the progress that the Town of Lenox has made in addressing the region's pressing needs for affordable, family-sized rental housing," said Karmen Cheung, Regional Vice President at Pennrose. "This partnership with the Town of Lenox continues to deliver communities that give families of all sizes a place to call home. Together with Forge, these two communities reflect our long-term commitment to meeting the diverse housing needs of Berkshire families."

Currently only 7 percent of Lenox's housing stock is deed-restricted affordable, falling short of the 10 percent goal established by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Additionally, approximately 90 percent of the town's existing affordable housing is limited to seniors, and market-rate rental options remain sparse.

238 Pittsfield Road is located a mile down the road from Forge,  a mixed-income community that celebrated its grand opening in August. Together, the two sister developments will add a total of 133 new affordable units to the town.

The project continues Pennrose's collaboration with the Town of Lenox and is guided by the goals of the Town's 2017 Housing Production Plan, 2021 Master Plan, and 2002 Gateway Redevelopment Plan.

The project is financed via federal 4 percent tax credit and state tax credit allocations from the Commonwealth's Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC), with the National Equity Fund as the syndicator and Rockland Trust and US Bank as the investors. Rockland also provided construction debt, and the Massachusetts Housing Partnership (MHP) provided both permanent debt and Workforce Housing Funds. MassDevelopment is the bond issuer, and EOHLC provided additional soft sources and operating subsidy. Finally, the Town of Lenox provided local Affordable Housing Trust and Community Preservation Act funds, as well as funds through the Commonwealth's HousingWorks Infrastructure Program (HWIP).

Haynes Construction is serving as general contractor and The Architectural Team as architect for the development.

Construction is underway and is expected to be completed in early 2028.

 

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