'Keg plans go right through the roof

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 11, Issue 534, 3 May 1994, Page 20 (Supplement)

'Keg plans go right through the roof

Take care when you drive into Ohakune Junction this winter - there's a construction site (sight?) that may distract you from the road. Big ideas man Paul Scarf has big plans for the future of his Powderzone on the cornerofMangawheroTerrace and Thames Street - three storey s big in fact. And built using big logs. Paul and Anne Scarf recently began a massive undertaking to add another two levels to the existing Powderkeg Inn that will house accommodation, conference rooms, and restaurant and bar facilities.

Access to the upper levels will be via the town's very first elevator. Work on the development began earlier in the year, with local contractors - led by Paul - working frantically to have the shell completed by Queen's Birthday Weekend. Work to the interior will continue through the winter months and will not affect the Powderkeg' s busy downstairs bar and restaurant operation. Work is completed on an immense exterior deck leading from the proposed upstairs restaurant, that will

provide a pleasant apres ski and dining area. The upstairs restaurant will feature an open fireplace and relaxed a-la-carte dining, finished in the building' s now famed natural-look varnished wood veneer. Cafe-style dining will still be available in the downstairs bar. Downstairs in the Powderkeg bar, floorboards were removed to allow installation of the huge concrete supports and steel beams for the upstairs facilities. The proposed conference facilities - another first for the region - will cater

comfortably for up to 100 people. Also in the plans is the addition of 30 ensuited double rooms - a total of over 3000 square metres. The project is expected to take 18 months to complete and is expected to cost well in excess of $1 million.