10/17/2026
We’ve received quite a few questions about the progress and next steps, and wanted to provide an update on the Inn reconstruction. Locals may have noticed that not much work has been going on this past week.
When we started this project, we knew that there would be challenges restoring a 130-year-old building! We were aware of several significant problems and, with Aubertine and Currier Architects, Engineers & Land Surveyors, PLLC, factored these into our plans. Some examples include complete removal of the unsound additions at the back, foundation work for the section added around 1910, rebuilding walls to resolve the structural issues introduced by the installation of the picture windows, and removal of the identified hazardous materials including asbestos siding and flooring as well as the oil tanks in the basement.
There were some wonderful surprises found after the work started and we discovered more of the history of the building. We have truly appreciated your positive feedback as we have shared those and will try to preserve what we can. Unfortunately, some of the surprises have not been good.
First, the discovery of very high levels of lead in the interior finishes introduced significant cost and weeks of delay. This material had to be safely removed and disposed of under the latest EPA and NYS regulations. Once that work was completed last week we had hoped to move on to the next steps.
As the interior demolition continued, there was some movement/shifting of the structure and Con Tech Building Systems, Inc. discovered additional problems that were previously hidden by the finish materials. These issues are more serious and extensive than expected. Some involve the nature of the construction used when the building was first built, while others are the result of the many modifications made over the years. The original wood and masonry have also deteriorated significantly, with substantial dry rot and cracks.
The result of all of these issues together is that we will need to step back and conduct a complete structural assessment and develop a plan to repair or replace more of the supporting structure than we planned. We are optimistic that we will be able to develop a new plan that allows us to preserve the building and are not giving up on it! We are grateful for the continued work and creativity of the A&C and Con Tech teams to find a feasible way to restore the integrity of the structure and continue the restoration.
