By Kate Bartlett
The White Inn, a landmark in Fredonia since 1868, recently reopened after nearly 2 years of renovations. Now under new ownership, this beautifully restored hotel offers 25 individually decorated guest rooms offering a combination of historic charm and restful rejuvenation in a convenient location.
Mike Ferguson, Mayor of Fredonia, spoke to the importance of the renovation of this landmark, and remarked how he feels fortunate to be mayor when it reopened. “We knew when developer Steve St. George took on this project that it was in the best of hands. Not only does Steve have the skills and expertise to complete the job, but he’s proactive and has a great relationship with the community.”
The White Inn has been a beacon in Fredonia for over 150 years, but has been closed for over 10 years, awaiting the right investor. “This building is such an important piece of Fredonia’s history,” remarks Mike. “We are so happy that it’s been renovated and restored to be even better than it was before. It is an important part of the revitalization of downtown Fredonia.”
Over the years, The White Inn attracted many visitors to the area from Buffalo, Cleveland, Pennsylvania and beyond. The hotel was a charter member of The Dunkin Hines Family of Fine Restaurants for several years and served many purposes along the Lake Erie Wine trail, as it served as a starting, middle and ending point for many. Its convenient location made it a popular overnight location for those exploring the Wine Trail for multiple days. “We’re hoping to continue this tradition,” says Mike. “We’re already had several calls from past visitors awaiting the reopening, looking forward to revisiting.”
Co-owners Steve and Chef Devon Jones purchased the property in 2021 and have been working tirelessly at renovating and reconstructing the building. “They’ve paid very close attention to details, making sure to maintain the historic charm of the building, while adding a few modern touches,” says Mike. The construction has already been a great asset to the community as Steve and Devon employed mostly local contractors to complete the job.
The façade of the building has been restored to maintain it’s original appearance, complete with new wooden pillars and an outdoor wrap-around patio. The interior rooms were renovated as close to possible to their original design, but refreshed with modern amenities like flat screen TV’s and marble bathrooms. Guest rooms are arranged on the second and third floors, all are non-smoking and are some pet-friendly.
Thoughtful artwork is displayed throughout the hallways, paying homage to the historical significance of the building and community. “It’s a fun walk down memory lane and a bit of a history lesson admiring the artwork that adorns the halls; it’s a great touch,” says Mike.
The lobby has been completely refurbished with an expanded 8-foot-long check in counter, complete with Italian marble. The elevators have been updated, and careful attention has been paid to ensure all facets of the hotel are up to code.
The White Inn has always been a place for gathering throughout its years, and this was taken into consideration in the renovations. “We hope The White will continue to be a place for gathering; a place for celebration and milestone occasions,” says Mike. The meeting spaces and boardrooms have all been renovated, along with a full reconstruction of the banquet room and kitchen.
The banquet room maintained the original bar with its beautiful mahogany wood, with refreshing updates to the tables and décor. It now exceeds its original seating capacity, and can host up to 3x as many guests. Chef Devon Jones ensured the kitchen was completely up-to-date, with brick ovens and outdoor refrigeration. “Chef Devon is very well-known in the Chautauqua community, and we’re so lucky to have him on this project,” remarks Mike. “He has been involved in several projects in the area, and we’re looking forward to watching the restaurant at The White take off.” The menu offers a variety of fresh curated dishes, all reasonably priced.
The White Inn plays a key role in the revitalization of Fredonia, and Mike is excited for what’s to come. “We’re on the precipice of great success,” says Mike. “With several new build permits in October, along with the upcoming construction of Brooks Hospital, Fredonia is becoming more of a destination than ever. Fredonia State University has always been a shining star in our community, but we’re also a year-round destination for our Wine Trail, fishing, hunting, hiking and more. We’re only 3 miles from the beach in Dunkirk, with several renown historical landmarks, I invite everyone to come rediscover Fredonia.”
For more information visit thewhiteinn.com, call (716) 672-2103 and follow on Twitter, YouTube and Facebook. For upcoming Fredonia events and information visit villageoffredonia.gov.