Historic buildings need repurposed uses to survive Stone Store, Clarendon and Bethany Town Hall significant area structures

As they did with the Stone Store in Clarendon, the Landmark Society of Western New York is working with the Town of Bethany in Genesee County to market the old Bethany Town Hall, built in 1832, to find a buyer who is interested in the historic structure and has the right resources to ensure it is properly restored.

“The heart of the Landmark Society’s preservation efforts is community revitalization,” says Caitlin Meives, Landmark Society Preservation Planner.

“Helping ensure that buildings like the Bethany Town Hall and others across western New York are developed in a way that preserves their historic architecture and encourages revitalization is core to our mission.”

The Landmark Society’s involvement with the Town of Bethany and the old Bethany Town Hall is somewhat similar to the Clarendon Stone Store, Meives tells the Suburban News/The Herald.  “Similar in that we are helping a local municipality who wants to do the right thing and save a historic building that is an important part of their community’s identity and heritage and that could be of economic benefit to the community,” Meives explains. “Most small municipalities like Clarendon and Bethany do not have the time or resources to take this on themselves. As a preservation organization, we can tap into a national network of developers and old building enthusiasts that your average realtor cannot. This is obviously a unique property that is going to attract a unique buyer.”

The old Bethany Town Hall – constructed in Greek Revival style – was originally constructed as a Methodist church.  It became a private school for young men in 1844 and a town hall in 1890. Beginning in the 1960s, the building was a Grange Hall before it became the town hall again in 1985. The town moved its headquarters several years ago and asked the Landmark Society for help in ensuring a new owner will respect the history of the building.

“It has such great character and details that we feel it could be appealing enough to draw a buyer from outside the state,” Meives says.

The old Bethany town hall is located 15 minutes east of Batavia and 15 minutes southwest of LeRoy and features historic details and charm including hardwood floors, original wood doors, wainscoting and light fixtures throughout. Approximately 5,000 square feet on two floors includes expansive open space perfect for a loft-style residence or artist studio, Landmark Society officials say.

Meives says the property in Bethany does differ from the Stone Store in Clarendon as it is not being sold for one dollar.

“The Stone Store was condemned by the town (of Clarendon) and needed to be gutted and have all new electric and HVAC installed,” she explains. “The Bethany town hall is in comparatively good cosmetic condition. It has loads of architectural features on the interior that are virtually unaltered. So we are marketing it at the asking price of $39,900. It really could be an economic asset. If and when a private owner takes it over, it will go on the tax rolls.”

Meives adds that listing it on national historic property websites has resulted in some interest and that a potential buyer would have to present to the Landmark Society and the Town of Bethany on their intended use of the property. “We would want to see that the buyer had the finances to purchase and do any  needed rehab/repair,” Meives says.

Work on the Stone Store in Clarendon is nearing completion, owners Joe and Sue Fertitta say.  An antique shop will be housed on the main floor and will open for business after the first of the new year, Sue Fertitta says. The apartment on the second floor is already rented. Fertitta explains some work still needs to be completed on the exterior and that the new tenants are ecstatic.

Clarendon resident Erin Anheier, who spear-headed the “Save the Stone Store” effort, says she is grateful to the Fertittas.  “I think the Stone Store counts as a success story for a grassroots effort to save a historic building,” Anheier says.