The Place
Hidden away in central Upstate NY, there's a weird half-abandoned mineral spa village called Sharon Springs. If you go downtown- and then you go a little lower- you'll eventually stumble upon the ruins of an abandoned resort once called "The Pavilion". Originally a sprawling hotel complex dating back to the 1830's, today only one hotel building remains (barely) standing- the Pavilion Cottages. The cottages are 5 stick-style townhomes that operated individually and collectively as part of a private hotel and recreational refuge. Today they remain empty, hidden from the outside world, quietly being reclaimed by flora and fauna.
The Vision
Given the significant reduction of urban queer+ community spaces in the last two decades, LGBTQ+ travelers are seeking out private recreational destinations that offer a safe sense of community and physical interaction. There is a shortage of campgrounds and resorts that cater to this audience, particularly ones with elevated and intentional aesthetics in an authentic historical environment.
Building upon a precedent of inclusiveness and other queer+ revitalization efforts locally, we want to rescue, restore, and reclaim this blighted historic property as an iconic Victorian resort and glampground for the LGBTQ+ community and its allies.
The Threat
After decades of abandonment, The Pavilion Cottages remain boarded up and (barely) standing, completely cut off from the outside world. It’s a strange place; the overall vibe is something in-between Grey Gardens, The Shining, and a John Waters movie.
The roof is in urgent need of replacement. Persistent leaks over time have caused significant damage, posing a threat to the overall structural integrity of the building. For now the structure remains sound, but without immediate intervention, the ongoing water intrusion may jeopardize its stability, potentially leading to the irreparable loss of this historically significant building.
