Sedona AZ (May 10, 2015) – The Grand Canyon Association will rededicate historic Kolb Studio at 4:00 p.m. Saturday, May 16, 2015. The event will celebrate the completion of a two-year renovation project at the 111-year-old building, which sits amazingly on the edge of the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park.
Kolb Studio is a must-see destination for tourists from around the globe. But wear and tear from so many visitors combined with extreme weather right at the Grand Canyon’s edge took its toll on the historic building. Enter the Grand Canyon Association, the non-profit partner of Grand Canyon that raised money to help fund the $500,000 in restoration work.
The project replaced the main entrance way, repaired and replaced structural beams, wooden porches, window treatments, and log and shingle siding. The work corrected drainage problems with sidewalks and retaining walls, and paint worn down to the wood in some places now looks fresh. This was the first time scaffolding surrounded the building, including the Canyon side of the studio. All structural repairs were done in ways that maintained historical integrity.
“This is the first major renovation project at Kolb Studio in decades. Without the repairs, the studio might have closed to the public,” said Grand Canyon National Park Superintendent Dave Uberuaga. “Now, Kolb Studio will remain open for years to come so visitors can learn about the rich history and culture of the early Grand Canyon.”
Kolb Studio served as the business and home for brothers Emery and Ellsworth Kolb, who photographed hikers and tourists on the adjacent Bright Angel Trail. Their images helped document the Grand Canyon and early tourism in the West. The Kolb brothers’ storied passage on the Colorado River formed the basis of a movie first shown in 1915, introducing many to the wonders of the Grand Canyon.
Representatives from the Grand Canyon Association will participate in the re-dedication ceremony along with Grand Canyon National Park Superintendent David Uberuaga. The great-great granddaughter of Emory Kolb and major donors are scheduled to attend.
Founded in 1932, the Grand Canyon Association (GCA) is the National Park Service’s official nonprofit partner raising private funds to benefit Grand Canyon National Park, operating retail shops and visitor centers within the park, and providing premier educational opportunities about the natural and cultural history of the region. GCA works to help preserve and protect Grand Canyon National Park by cultivating support, education and understanding of the park. To learn more about this and other projects visit the Grand Canyon Association.
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