/

Saddleback to expand, acquire Oquossoc Cove marina

6 mins read

AUGUSTA – At a press conference today in the Governor’s Office at the Maine State Capitol, Governor John Baldacci joined Warren Cook, general manager of Saddleback Maine to announce that Saddleback Maine has reached an agreement on a lease/purchase of a 60 slip marina on Rangeley Lake with capacity to add 60 more slips. The transaction, to be completed in early May, will improve the summer vacation experience for Saddleback property owners and guests, making the resort an even more viable year-round vacation destination.


(From left to right) Governor John E. Baldacci, Warren Cook, CEO of Saddleback Maine; Faith Berry, Bill Berry, Mark Berry and Adrian Berry – owners of Saddleback Maine, gather together for press conference. (Photo courtesy of Marshall Communications)

This year, Saddleback’s paid visits are up 22 percent over last year, with season pass year to date increases at 23 percent, and real estate sales at the resort over the season total $4 million.

“I knew when Warren Cook and the Berry Family joined forces at Saddleback that things would happen, even in these tough economic times, but I did not expect it to happen this quickly,” said Governor Baldacci. “This is exciting news for Franklin County, the state, and our vitally important tourism industry.”

This marina is part of Saddleback’s plan to build strong connections to the lake and to the villages of Rangeley and Oquossoc. It will allow property owners and guests the opportunity to enjoy all that the area has to offer, and be part of the history of the legendary Lakes region. Saddleback has plans to open a real estate office in the village of Rangeley. At both the marina and real estate office locations, they will offer vacationers tours of the lake, the mountain and the area, introducing people to the history, culture, and outdoor recreational opportunities.

Current marina owner and Oquossoc resident, Larry Koob will continue to oversee the marina as part of the deal. Koob commented, “I like the direction Saddleback is going and am pleased to be part of these exciting next steps. It will be good for the area and our customers.”

Working collaboratively with the local community has been a key strategy for Cook, who was hired as general manager of Saddleback just six months ago. In addition, Cook often comments that Saddleback is a real ski mountain, and what differentiates it from other resorts is the nearby legendary Lakes.

“Come ski for the winter and stay for the summer,” he said.

Given the robust winter real estate activity, including continued strong interest from the United Kingdom, Saddleback also outlined its plan to begin the design and pre-selling of an 80 room condominium hotel adjacent to the impressive base lodge at the base of the mountain. This sales effort will begin this fall and is part of the approved LURC ten year plan.

Saddleback Maine announces summer expansion plans

Additional summer projects for 2009 will include the design of a 1000 seat expansion of the recently completed base lodge; planning for the replacement of the 1962 Rangeley double chair with a quad chair; planning the installation of a new quad chair in the Magalloway area of the mountain that would serve one existing real estate development and two new areas totaling over 500 units when built out, as well as the ski trails above it. The planning and funding will be completed by the spring of 2010 with construction beginning that summer.

In connection with this expansion Saddleback is helping to fund and is participating in an affordable housing study being conducted by the Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust. The study will look at ways to provide affordable housing for the additional staff demanded by the area’s growth.

Saddleback is also looking at alternative energy solutions to support housing expansions and the resort’s overall energy needs.

Both of these efforts are part of the resort’s vision of carefully crafting growth, with an environmental focus and a commitment to the community.

Saddleback Maine currently employs 40 staff members year round and during the winter season the staff increases to around 180. It is expected that with the expansion plan, Saddleback staffing will increase by 15 percent in the next year and an additional 15 percent when the hotel is completed. It is anticipated that local area businesses will benefit from this significant expansion, which will drive new business to this impressive part of Franklin County in Western Maine. Historically, the Rangeley Lakes region has been a noted vacation area of inland Maine for over 100 years and the current improvements are aimed at reinforcing that tradition.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

1 Comment

  1. Having Saddleback expand is a huge win win for the Western Mtn areas of maine.
    Hats off to the Berry family and Warren Cook.
    Now if the Gov. can get the Maine Turnpike or 95 extended to Farmington……

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.