MORROW MT STATE PARK
Albemarle, NC
Category: 2025 Hospitality/Public Space, Unique Installation Challenge
Architect: Huffman Architects, PA
Starnet Member:
E.E. Wilson Floor Covering
Starnet Preferred Vendors:
Mapei, Uzin Utz North America, Daltile, Roppe, Johnsonite By Tarkett
Project Strategy
Morrow Mt. State Park is about an hour north of Charlotte NC. The park is located in the heart of the Uwharrie Mountains and consists of 5,881 acres. It includes activities such as Family Cabins, Tent Camping, RV Camping, Hiking Trails, Bridle Trails for horseback riding, a Pool w/ splash pad for children and boat access to Lake Tillery. Over the past several years the camp had sustained storm damage including a fallen Oak tree through the middle of one of their bathhouses. At this point the state of NC shut down overnight camping and began renovations. The renovations included the complete removal and new construction of bathhouse "C" with tree damage, major demolition and remodels of "A" & "B" bathhouses, the Pool House, 5 Family Cabins, and construction of new Camper Cabins. Huffman Architecture was tasked with redesigning these areas as well as being responsible for the finish selections including our tile selections and patterns. The incorporation of varying tile sizes in a single color palette distinguished this project with a distinctive style that effortlessly balances simplicity and sophistication, offering visitors an unexpected yet appealing aesthetic experience in the Uwharrie Mountains of NC that brings the camp a modern feel with a rustic touch.
Unique Installation Challenge Strategy
This project presented unique challenges due to several factors. The state parks service was undertaking renovations of two bathhouses, a pool house, and five family cabins, as well as constructing a new bathhouse from the ground up. The two renovated bathhouses were essentially rebuilt, with only a few original walls remaining. A recent storm had severely damaged the third existing bathhouse, necessitating its complete demolition and reconstruction. The pool house's open roof design posed an additional challenge, requiring careful timing and protection of the installation from the elements. The project's location at Morrow Mountain State Park limited access to water, necessitating daily trips to fill buckets. The site also lacked power, requiring the use of gas generators throughout the project. Material storage was coordinated through the general contractor's temporary shelter, with scheduled deliveries or multiple daily trips to transport necessary materials.
The campground's closure to overnight guests during renovations added pressure to meet deadlines.
Effective crew scheduling was crucial to maintaining project momentum and meeting the general contractor's deadlines, particularly given the complexity of managing multiple job sites within the same location. Ultimately, we successfully met the expectations of the general contractor and the State of North Carolina, delivering a high-quality project that will benefit the public for generations to come.
Thanks for your consideration,
John Young