Making Marygrove New
If you haven't been to Marygrove in the past year, you will be surprised at what you see. Over the past 12 months, renovations have been completed on some major areas of the retreat house. And boy, do they look great!
Marygrove's Iconic Front Entrance and Yard
Years of water damage had taken a toll on the pillars and canopy that everyone sees as they approach Marygrove. The old patio and formal garden had deteriorated, and become overgrown to the point that the front of the building was no longer visible. Today, visitors see a new lit canopy with a much simpler landscaping, walking path and tasteful streetlamps that says: "Welcome!"
The First Floor Guest Wing
The seven bedrooms off the dining room on the first floor had not been renovated in many years. Old carpet, tarnished sinks, yellowed ceiling tiles, worn bedspreads and drapes. The guest rooms and hall have now been fully renovated: top to bottom! New carpet, fresh paint, new sinks and vanities, new ceilings. We've even replaced the beds with Queen-size mattresses. Over the years, many guests have requested larger beds – now we have them!
First Floor Bathrooms
Many visitors to Marygrove will remember the tiny bathroom off the snack bar on the first floor. Although it was small, tucked away, and in desperate need of renovation, it was the most used of all the bathrooms at Marygrove. After some pretty extensive carpentry, Marygrove now has two bathrooms by the snack bar at the service of our guests.
And the Improvements Keep Coming!
This spring, new efficient air conditioning units will replace the old ones that cool the second floor conference room and chapel. The conference room air conditioning hasn't worked in two summers. It just gave out. And the chapel unit is of the same vintage, so we've been holding our breath. Once the work is completed, there will be the option of cooling the dining room as well.