Mack Dining Hall Renovation Project
Our E. H. Mack Dining Hall serves as the heart of Camp Judson. Thousands of campers as well as countless guests for retreats and other special events have shared meals, fellowship, and laughter together.
When it was completed in 1976, it was a grand improvement for Camp Judson by moving the kitchen and dining facilities out of the Lodge (now known as Shreve Lodge) to a new building with a capability of feeding 150-175 people at one time.
After 48 years of service, the building is in need of a makeover to enable it to better serve both our summer camp programs as well as retreats, one day events, and other guest groups.
While the current building can serve 150-175 people, it is a challenge for it to serve more than one retreat or guest group at a time in the fall, winter, and spring. The bathrooms need to be enlarged and updated to current ADA standards. The building lacks storage space for tables and chairs and kitchen equipment and food storage, and there is a need for additional space for food preparation. Finally, it is in need of updates like new windows and doors and new HVAC system to make it more comfortable for guests in all seasons of the year and more energy and cost efficient to operate.
Last year, the Camp Board commissioned Weber Murphy Fox (of Erie, PA) to draw up plans for a renovated and expanded version of the Mack Dining Hall to take the next step in addressing the need for renovation and modernization.
This renovation and expansion would occur in two phases with the first phase renovating and modernizing the existing building and the second phase addition to add additional seating for eating and meeting in the Dining Room enhancing the view of Lake Erie, as well as creating two outdoor areas for groups to gather.
The Camp Board is developing plans for fundraising that will build on and expand the existing “Building the Kingdom” Capital Campaign that was interrupted by the pandemic.
If you would like to make a monthly, quarterly, or annual pledge to this project, please click this link to email us.
If you would like to make a gift toward this project, click here and select “Mack Dining Hall Renovation”.
Please be in prayer for God’s provision for this project!
new space to gather
The maximum capacity of the renovated dining room increases about 50% to about 250 people, with the ability to divide the dining room into two different spaces for groups to gather indoors for meals and meetings.
Large windows on the north end of the dining room enhance the building’s connection with the lake, and a new HVAC system ensures comfort in all seasons of the year.
Two new outdoor gathering spaces are included as well:
– A large porch on the north side of the building provides space for outdoor gatherings and a great spot to watch sunsets over Lake Erie
– An outdoor patio with a wood fireplace and seating
updated restrooms
The renovation includes new restrooms that are larger and ADA compliant as well as a family restroom for increased accessibility.
increased kitchen space
An enlarged kitchen allows for additional space for food preparation, additional space for food storage, and an indoor walk-in freezer all of which allow for more efficient kitchen operation.
new storage space
The plans also increase storage space for tables, chairs, and equipment.
A Project in Two Phases
Phase 1 – Renovation of Current Dining Hall
- Updated, Enlarged, and Handicapped Accessible Restrooms
- Additional Storage Space
- Enlarged Kitchen and Food Storage with increased space for preparation
- Updated Dining Room
- Updated HVAC – including Air Conditioning
- New Energy Efficient Windows and Doors
- New Roof and Siding
Phase 1 Cost – $1.5 million
Phase 2 – Dining Hall Expansion
- Adding an addition to the Dining Room to provide additional seating for meals and additional meeting space
- Adding a covered porch facing Lake Erie to serve as a space for outdoor gathering and meeting
- A new fireplace useable both inside (natural gas) and outside (wood) with a patio
- A walkout basement under Dining Room Addition for storage and use as a storm shelter
Phase 2 Cost – $900,000
Total Project Cost* – $2.4 million
*The Total Project Cost is the cost of the project before any donations of materials and volunteer labor.