LGC Foundation FAQs
Why Was The Lake George Historic Preservation foundation Created?
Since 1909, the Lake George Club has stood as a historic structure. Whether you see it from a boat on Lake George or on the drive down the driveway, its majesty is striking and open to members only. The maintenance and preservation for a structure of this age is ongoing and increasingly expensive. Current estimates are that we need approximately $100,000 annually to preserve this architectural wonder, and these costs will only increase.
What is the relationship between the Lake George Club Historic Foundation and the Lake George Club?
The LGC Historic Preservation Foundation is a separate non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. The Foundation is the only organization for members to make a charitable donation. The Foundation exists for the benefit of the LG Club members. Our objective is to raise funds to establish an endowment which will provide funding for restoration and repair of historic structures for the Lake George Club – namely the Clubhouse, the Strand Cottage and the Pump-house. Our goal is to work together with the LG Club Board to identify needs and provide funding for capital projects which involve historic restoration.
How does the Foundation support the Club?
The Foundation was established to provide a dedicated source of funding for the preservation, and restoration of the historic Clubhouse. By building and investing an endowment, the Foundation helps ensure that resources will be available not only for today's needs but for future generations as well.
How much has the Foundation raised?
Thanks to the generosity of members and friends of the Club, the Foundation has raised $1.72M and the Foundation's investment account has grown to approximately $1.95 million.
Has the Foundation already funded preservation projects?
Yes. Since November 2023, the Foundation has distributed more than $169,000 toward preservation and capital improvement projects.
Recent projects illustrate the unique challenges of maintaining a historic structure. When the Club’s original roof spires were removed to repair a roof leak, they unexpectedly deteriorated beyond repair. To preserve the Clubhouse’s historic appearance, a skilled craftsman was commissioned to create historically accurate replicas at a cost of $27,122.
The Foundation has also supported the replacement of the Clubhouse’s front steps with a total cost of $107,254. Over time, the original stone steps had been replaced with concrete and it was repeatedly patched as winter weather damaged the concrete surface. The new granite steps more closely reflect the Club’s historic character while providing a more durable solution for future generations.
Why Are Additional Donations Still Needed?
The Clubhouse faces ongoing preservation challenges that come with maintaining a historic building. Continued support helps ensure that these needs can be met while preserving the long-term strength of the Foundation.
Historic preservation often requires investments that are significantly more expensive than standard repairs. For example, when the Clubhouse roof was last replaced, the project had to be completed in phases over several years because sufficient funds were not available to replace the entire roof at one time. Had the roof been replaced as a single project, the estimated cost would have been approximately $240,000. Instead, the phased approach ultimately cost roughly $360,000. A well-funded Foundation helps the Club address major projects when they are needed, reducing the risk that deferred maintenance leads to substantially higher costs in the future.
Why not simply fund these projects through dues?
Membership dues are intended to support the Club’s annual operations, programs, staffing, and routine maintenance. The preservation of a historic building, however, often requires major capital investments that can be difficult to fund through annual dues alone.
The Foundation provides a dedicated source of funding for significant preservation and restoration projects, helping the Club address long-term needs while reducing reliance on special assessments or substantial dues increases. It also allows members, families, and friends of the Club to make tax-deductible contributions that create a lasting legacy for future generations.
What is the long-term vision for the Foundation?
Our goal is to create a lasting source of financial support that will help preserve the Clubhouse, the Strand Cottage and the Pump-house for generations to come. A strong endowment allows investment earnings and future gifts to work together to fund preservation efforts while protecting the Foundation's ability to support the Club well into the future.
How can I help?
Every gift makes a difference. Contributions to the Lake George Historic Preservation Foundation are tax-deductible and directly support the preservation of one of the most iconic structures on Lake George. Your generosity helps ensure that our children, grandchildren, and future members will continue to gather, celebrate, and create memories in this extraordinary historic setting.
