Thu, March 28, 2024

Historic Lookaway Hall and Inn adding an event center

Groundbreaking begins next week for the Camellia Event Center adjacent to one of North Augusta’s oldest homes. Lookaway Hall is steeped in history as tall as the hill upon which it sits.

Built in 1895 from the fortunes of James Jackson, the city’s founder, and his brother Walter, manager of North Augusta Land Company, Lookaway provides a magnificent view across the river into Augusta.

When the Jackson fortunes dwindled, the home fell into a sad state of disrepair. Over the years it was resuscitated by various owners including Dr. Henry Mealing and his wife who bought the property in 1936. He was a camellia grower and his wife was an expert with orchids. The Mealings were commissioned by Queen Elizabeth to supply orchids for her wedding in 1947.

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Like Mealing’s camellias, a flower that symbolizes love and admiration, Lookaway has survived and flourished because of love and attention. In 1991 an Inn with 10 extra rooms was added behind the main house. Mealing would probably be honored to know that the new event center bears the name of his beloved flower.

An architect’s rendering of the new Camellia Event Center to be built at the Lookaway Hall in North Augusta.

John Felak and his wife, Mary, are the Innkeepers and are excited about the new addition.

“Camellias are on one side of Lookaway and the freestanding event center will be on the opposite side,” Felak explained. “The addition will have a conservatory feel to it and should complement the architectural style of the inn.”

The firm of Virgo Gambill, designers of the Lookaway Inn when it was added, also served as the architects of this most recent addition. Construction is being handled by Allen + Batchelor. The space will add almost 3,000 square feet which Felak says will be helpful for weddings, receptions, and other special events.

“We get calls all the time about weddings and receptions,” he said. “With current space limitations of about 30 people inside the hall, some of those events must be a mix of indoors and outdoors on the grounds, which could be risky because of the weather.”

In a few months, Lookaway and other venues will be on center stage for the Masters. Felak is already getting inquiries and looking ahead.

Camellias from Dr. Mealing’s original garden at Lookaway Hall

“Lookaway is about six miles from Augusta National and we are usually booked by a corporate client each year,” Felak said. “The goal is to have the Camellia Event Center opened by then.”

A 120-year-old home, which has been nurtured by many loving hands from the Jacksons to the Mealing family, and former owners, Kelly and Diana Combs, who discovered its potential during a trip to the Masters, has earned its place on the National Register of Historic Places.

Besides serving as Lookaway’s Innkeepers, John and Mark Felak, are now part owners of the property. They invite guests to write their own history as a new chapter opens.

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