4-H Center of Alabama Guthrie Lodge Now Open
Guthrie Lodge Addition and Renovation
The addition and renovation of the Guthrie Lodge at the Alabama 4-H Center is officially complete and open for business. Built in 1980, the Guthrie Lodge has not been updated in 15 years. With these updates completed by BL Harbert International, the facility now meets the changing needs of both the Alabama 4-H Center and its guests.
The existing one-story Guthrie Lodge renovation is approximately 5,000 square feet, including the entry lobby, offices, and dining rooms. Interior renovations included finishes, lighting, lower-lobby access ramp, bathroom facilities, and office space. Exterior renovations included the installation of new windows and doors.
The one-story addition to the Guthrie Lodge totals approximately 9,500 square feet. It includes a new, larger kitchen facility and all new equipment. Sharing the kitchen is the existing dining room and a new 2,500 square-foot dining room. With a new 2,000-square-foot conference facility, the lodge also offers a variety of event spaces to meet the needs of large groups. Audio visual systems for presentations are now available in each meeting space allowing wireless connectivity capabilities.
It is safe to say that Alabama 4-H accomplished their goal of producing a high-quality experience for any type of gathering with this beautifully designed lodge.
About the Alabama 4-H Center
The Alabama 4-H Center is operated by the Alabama 4-H Foundation and the Alabama Cooperative Extension System (Alabama A&M University and Auburn University). On their campus of nearly 260 acres of lush woodlands overlooking Lay Lake in Shelby County, this space can now host groups of more than 285 people. The Alabama 4-H Center is one of the largest conference centers in the state of Alabama, serving 4-H groups across the state and offers camping, science, and outdoor programs, lodging, and space for large events.
Educational programs at the 4-H Center provide various hands-on day and overnight educational experiences for youth, teachers, and other adults, helping them become more effective citizens, leaders, teachers, and natural resource stewards. The 4-H Center serves about 20,000 youth annually. This project is a testament to the investment in the future of 4-H.