Commission hears KLM Lodge interior flooring plan; staff aim for February installation

Village staff updated the Historic Preservation Commission on Jan. 14 about planned interior work at KLM Lodge, including removal of existing carpeting, refinishing original stair treads and installing a herringbone-pattern laminate in high-traffic areas. Staff said the parcel contains original wood under the carpet at the entrance stairs and that the historic tile in the immediate entrance by the fireplace will be retained.

Bethany, a village staff member supporting the commission, said parks and recreation prepared a memo and photographs and had consulted local preservation-experienced contractors and volunteers, including Mimi Collins and Katie Knobel of Home Crafters, to identify a durable product with an historic appearance. Staff described the chosen material as a laminate tile in a herringbone pattern; the product allows individual tiles to be removed and replaced if damaged, which staff said should reduce long-term maintenance costs in high-traffic rental rooms.

Staff estimated a one-week installation window and said work was planned to begin in February so the building would be ready for the next wedding season. The commission asked whether the stair would be re-carpeted; staff replied the existing wood under the stair will be refinished and no new carpet is planned for the stairs. Commissioners asked about dye-lot matching for replacement stock; staff said the village will procure additional tiles in the same dye lot to enable future repairs.

The commission requested staff bring photos after installation and accepted the update. No formal action was taken; the discussion was informational.