There will be no room at the inn until 2011.
The upscale Andover Inn on Chapel Avenue on the campus of Phillips Academy closed yesterday, July 1, for a renovation project that will last 18 months. Its reopening is scheduled for January 2011.
This is the first major renovation for the nearly 80-year-old inn, which is owned by Phillips Academy. Calling the inn a "campus icon since 1930," Phillips spokeswoman Amy Morris said the renovations will be extensive.
"The Inn is known regionally and nationally for its upscale restaurant and quaint accommodations," she said noting that numerous weddings and conferences have been held there over the years.
In addition, the Andover Inn is well known for its dinners and brunches. It has hosted events for the academy and surrounding communities for decades.
Morris said an anonymous donor and graduate of Phillips Academy is paying for the renovation project. The final makeover cost has not been pinned down, Morris said.
The facility has undergone minor improvements over the years, but it has never been significantly updated until now. The most recent project was a remodeling of the restaurant's kitchen two years ago.
Andover Inn's restaurant, Brassierre, is managed by Morello Hospitality. Attempts to reach Matthew Morello were not successful so it's unclear if restaurant workers have lost their jobs for the next 18 months. Morris directed all restaurant-related questions to Morello.
Morello has been managing the restaurant since 2008. He previously ran Savour Kitchen in Andover.
Andover Inn's renovation is the third large campus makeover for the prestigious high school in recent times. Its acclaimed Addison Gallery is in the midst of a multi-million dollar renovation and expansion. Located on South Main Street, the art museum closed last July 13 and is expected to reopen in the spring of 2010.
In addition, the Paresky Dining Commons recently reopened on March 29 after an extensive renovation of that building, Morris said.
