Historic Gateways Inn receives design, technology updates from new owners
LENOX — Mill Town, which purchased The Gateways Inn in July 2020, has updated the Gilded Age-era “cottage” to accommodate modern travelers’ preferences in both form and function. After closing to guests in mid-November, the team initiated an accelerated design refresh of the inn and its guest house. The changes focus on a full aesthetic update of all guest spaces and also include updated internet connectivity, additional technology amenities, contactless features that accommodate recent public health concerns, and integrated services for modern travelers.
“The Gateways Inn holds a special niche in the Berkshires lodging scene,” said Carrie Holland, managing director of Mill Town. “Its downtown location is ideal for a range of visitors, and the luxurious classic components of this historic house contribute to the unique experience our guests are able to enjoy during their stay.” Holland said the property’s new look focused on highlighting the historic artisanship of the century-plus old house. “By removing some of the large furniture pieces, peeling off wallpaper, uncovering the original wood floors, and updating some of the furnishings, we were able to simplify the design aesthetic and let the ornate historic details shine through more brightly.”
Improving internet speed, adding streaming capabilities to the TVs, overhauling software, and introducing expanded keyless entry and contactless ordering will enable the inn to incorporate modern trends in guest engagement. The team also updated portions of the air quality ventilation systems and introduced new cleaning technologies.
The new design incorporates local products and artisans, including Pine Cone Hill bedding in the guest rooms. Mill Town will feature the work of local landscape painters in the inn’s common areas and guest rooms. There are also plans to host a full slate of community programming during the 2021 summer season, tying in connections with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Shakespeare & Company, Berkshires Jazz, and other musicians and culinary purveyors. “We hope visitors and locals see the property as a special space to celebrate private events while feeling equally comfortable joining us for music on the lawn and a casual drink at the bar,” said Holland.
The inn’s on-site restaurant and bar is expected to re-open in May, with expanded indoor and outdoor dining options and a live music series. The property is also available for private events and weddings.
Harley Procter of Procter & Gamble built the Lenox mansion in 1912. New York architects McKim, Mead and White designed its white, rectangular shape to resemble Procter & Gamble’s Ivory Soap bar. After the Procters sold the inn in 1919, the building went through several owners, one of whom was the country’s first Michelin-starred chef (c. 1970s). The original architecture has been preserved over the years and includes a mix of Neo-classical elements, a hallmark staircase, and Tiffany-style windows. Prior to Mill Town’s acquisition, Michele and Eiran Gazit had run the inn since 2012.
—A.K.
* * *
Community Development Corp. of South Berkshire offers free support to small businesses
SOUTHERN BERKSHIRES — The Community Development Corporation of South Berkshire (CDCSB) has received a Small Business Technical Assistance Grant from the Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Now through June 30, 2021, small businesses in the Berkshires can apply on the CDCSB website for free, one-on-one consultations.
The grant enables the CDCSB to assist area businesses at various stages of development, from pre-start up to existing businesses planning for growth. Consultations are customized to each business and can range from business skills, to access, to financing. The program is open to all small businesses in the Berkshires, with special consideration for women- and minority-owned businesses.
For more information about the program, contact Emmalyn Gaertner at emmalyn@cdcsb.org.
—A.K.
* * *
Lazan Glover & Puciloski offers free real estate guides, adds Adrienne Arnold as partner
GREAT BARRINGTON — Lazan Glover & Puciloski, LLP, a local law firm that specializes in Berkshire real estate, recently launched a new website and released two guides to help buyers and sellers unfamiliar with the issues of real estate in the Berkshires.
One guide focuses on how the process of buying real estate in the Berkshires differs from the rest of Massachusetts and New York. It digs deep into working with realtors and attorneys, and understanding contracts. The second guide showcases how writing an offer for the purchase or sale of a home is different here than in other areas. It offers in-depth information on purchase and sale agreements.
Additionally, the website offers content on how to buy real estate, how to select a real estate attorney, and zoning and land use restrictions.
Lazan Law also announced the promotion of Adrienne Arnold to partner with the firm. Arnold joined the team in 2019 and specializes in residential and commercial real estate transactions.
She received her undergraduate degree from Boston University in 2011, majoring in history and anthropology, and graduating with Latin Honors. Arnold received her J.D. from the University of Houston Law Center, where she served as senior articles editor at the Houston Law Review. She has won awards for her legal publications, including the prestigious Beck Redden LLP Award for Best Comment Addressing Complex Litigation.
Arnold serves on the board executive committee of the Southern Berkshire Chamber of Commerce and as the chair of the membership and public relations committee. When not in the office, she spends as much time as possible outdoors.
—A.K.
* * *
Greylock promotes McCluskey to vice president
PITTSFIELD — Greylock Federal Credit Union has promoted Tara McCluskey to vice president, mortgage originations. As part of the lending team, McCluskey now oversees the entire mortgage cycle from origination to closing.
“Tara has a deep understanding of the highly regulated mortgage process,” said Jodi Rathbun-Briggs, senior vice president and chief lending officer. “That knowledge, combined with her dedication to our members, makes her a strong leader in our mortgage department.”
McCluskey joined Greylock in 1997 as a mortgage processor. Her most recent position was as the assistant vice president managing mortgage underwriting and closing. In her new role, she manages mortgage originations, underwriting, processing, and closing and oversees day-to-day functions, compliance, and regulatory issues for the mortgage department. Tara was raised in Pittsfield, where she still lives with her husband Robert and their two daughters.
—A.K.
* * *
Berkshire Money Management team completes Institute for Preparing Heirs® program
DALTON — Berkshire Money Management (BMM) advisors Scott Little, Peter Coughlin, Lauren Russo, and Nate Tomkiewicz recently completed an exclusive program offered by the Institute for Preparing Heirs® on the topic of “The Great Wealth Transfer: Preparing HNW Families to Prosper & Thrive Across Generations.”
“One of the single biggest challenges facing successful families today is ensuring that the inheriting generation — the children and grandchildren — maintain control of the family assets and unity after wealth transfer,” said Russo.
The Institute is a deep dive into the changing needs and expectations of families and addresses how family dynamics play a greater role in successful wealth transfer than previously understood; the important role of women as a family’s financial leader; practical tools families can use to prepare beneficiaries for wealth, and more.
—A.K.
