ANDOVER — The historic Andover Inn on Chapel Avenue on the campus of Phillips Academy is scheduled to reopen in October after a 15-month renovation. This is the inn's first major renovation since its construction in 1930.
A regional and campus landmark for more than 80 years, the upgraded facility will feature Samuel's restaurant, a tented garden for formal events, two private function rooms, an executive conference room, and 30 guest rooms.
"It was important to the academy that the Andover Inn's historic architecture be preserved amid what was otherwise a top-to-bottom modernization project," said Michael Williams, Phillips Academy's director of facilities about the multimillion-dollar renovation.
W. Sydney Wagner, architect of New York's Roosevelt Hotel, designed the Georgian-style brick building, which was built on the grounds where Harriet Beecher Stowe's house first stood. (Stowe's house was moved in 1929 to nearby Bartlet Street to make way for the building.) Many of Wagner's architectural details have been preserved in the main lobby and dining areas. The building's original brick exterior and front patio have been preserved as well.
The facility will be managed by the higher education division of Aramark, which also manages hotels and restaurants for Georgetown University, the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and Villanova University. Kelly Scalia has been named general manager of the Andover Inn, overseeing all aspects of its operations, including Samuel's.
Dinner and lodging guests can make reservations by visiting www.andoverinn.com or by calling 978-475-5903.
Walk for animals
METHUEN — Animal lovers will walk in the Walk for Animals to promote kindness and care for animals on Sunday, Sept. 12.
For the second year, the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals at Nevins Farm will host a site for the walk at Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm in Newbury. The mile-long route will meander through the historical property, beginning and ending at the 17th century farmhouse, where family friendly activities, contests, refreshments and merchandise for pets and owners will be available. There will be canine agility demonstrations and contests, an inflatable moon bounce for kids, face painting, tie-dyeing and raffles.
The MSPCA at Nevins Farm is a temporary home to domestic animals, as well as horses and farm animals. The adoption center annually cares for more than 7,000 animals without government funding. More than two dozen farm animals from Nevins Farm live at Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm.
Walkers can register as an individual or as a team. Registration costs $25 and includes a T-shirt. Prizes will be awarded to those who raise more than $300. To register, visit walkforanimals.com or go to the MSPCA in person at 400 Broadway, Methuen.
