The building is 120 years old, and lately it's been showing its age. But the Odd Fellow's Hall building at four corners in Stafford -- the former location of the Stafford Trading Post -- is such a central part of the community that members of the Stafford Historical Society are fretting over its future.
Owner Terry Platt has set a Sept. 2 auction date to sell the parcel to the highest bidder over $20,000.
Members of the historical society are concerned a new owner might tear down the structure, which is on the National Historic Registry.
"A lot of people think that because it's a historic landmark, it can't be torn down," said Laura Giacchino. "That's not the case, at least not in this town."
"I realize it's a historic piece of property -- at least the awning part, the front of the structure -- I'm not sure about the whole building," said Platt. "But it's an investment for me. It always has been."
Stafford values its history. Giacchino said the community has always had a sense of continuity and there are many families in Stafford that have lived there for generations, 200 years or more.
"We've been here 25 years and we're considered newbies," Giacchino said.
And the Odd Fellow's Hall -- which Giacchino remembers as a post office and place that sold groceries and guns many years ago -- has been a community gathering spot and community store location as far back as anybody can remember.
But for Platt, who's owned the property for more than 20 years, it's just time to move on.
Platt said with the business vacancies, and particularly since the Stafford Trading Post moved to its new location, its time get the property out of his portfolio and use whatever proceeds come from a sale to reinvest in his other holdings.
He said, "I'm getting older," and he doesn't want to take the time or spend the money on needed repairs to the building.
And it likely needs some substantial repairs, acknowledged Giacchino.
"We know it needs a new roof, and there's likely water damage in the basement," she said.
Members of the historical society are very interested putting together a group of investors -- and Giacchino indicted there are people with money to invest who are interested -- to buy the property. But with all of the unknowns about the shape of the building and less than a week until the auction, there just isn't enough time to commit to buying the property.
Platt said he had the building up for sale for some time with no takers, but he's still open to making a deal.
"I'm still willing to hold the paper if the number is high enough," Platt said. "So if somebody wants to buy it, they can do what they want with it. If somebody wants to save it ... Is somebody going to buy it and tear it down? I don't know."
For more on the Stafford Village Historic District, click here.
"but with all of the unknowns
"but with all of the unknowns about the shape of the building and less than a week until the auction, there just isn't enough time to commit to buying the property."
You snooze, you lose. I don't want hear any whining later on. Get on the ball and hire a building inspector.
TO CONTACT THE STAFFORD
TO CONTACT THE STAFFORD HISTORICAL SOCIETY: Linda Call, President 344-0026 or Cathrine Roth, Preservationist 343-3833
GEORGE! Thanks for the advice
GEORGE! Thanks for the advice and kick in the butt. We have a NYS inspector donating his time to do an assessment tomorrow, early (Wed) morning. If there are any prospective investors who are interested in the restoration and use of the building, they are welcome to attend the walk through with the assessor. Contact Linda Call at 344-0026 to get the details.
The NYS inspector spent 3+
The NYS inspector spent 3+ hours at the building. The overall report was very positive. He said,"she has good bones, she can easily last another 100 years". Certainly, the old store is in the worst shape. There are buckled boards where coolers stood and water damage from a leak in the roof. "These are minor issues to repair" The inspector said. The roof needs to be replaced on 3 sides of the building and some very minor electrical updates. There is mildew from the water that can be taken care of with some bleach and elbow grease. He estimates 30-50k would be required to take care of all of the issues. (Of course this does not include cosmetic updates) The upstairs has all the original woodwork and the ceilings throughout the building have tongue and groove beeded boards, albeit it is covered by drop ceilings in some areas. In the attic, he found it had been well insulated. The NYS inspector said "Somehow this building has gotten a bad rap around town." The action is tomorrow 9/2 at 7pm. The historical society is looking for either donations to buy the building (20k is the starting bid)or an investor who wants to renovate the building. The building inspector can be contacted through Linda Call, President of the Historical Society (number above) or the realtor, Harris Wilcox.
Thanks for the detailed
Thanks for the detailed report, Laura.
Good Luck with finding a
Good Luck with finding a buyer who wants to restore it, and/or contributors. I hope it works out.
To close the loop: the IOOF
To close the loop: the IOOF hall/old Stafford Trading Post, was purchased by a business man from Batavia who will provide needed repairs and utilize the 2 store fronts. Unclear if the upstairs will be used for apartment space or for commercial use. The members of the historical society are very happy as well as the concerned citizens from Batavia, Stafford and Leroy. Thanks to all the contributors!
thanks for the update -- can
thanks for the update -- can you e-mail the winning bidder's name?
Unfortunately, I've yet perfected the trick of being in two places at once and couldn't be at the auction tonight.