By Kate Bartlett
The Hotel Lenhart, a major historic Chautauqua landmark in Bemus Point, is under new ownership of William and Jill Curry (Bemus Point Holdings, LLC). After years of halted operations and closure, the efforts to redevelop and reopen this iconic building are finally underway.
Bill and Jill first announced their intention to purchase the property (with Chautauqua Lake Hospitality) in early 2023 from long-time owners John, Deborah and Barbara Johnston. They were fortunate to receive funding from the Chautauqua County Industrial Development Agency as well as an additional $1.9 million grant from the Empire State Development Consolidated Funding Application Program of NYS. The transaction to transfer ownership was completed Friday afternoon, May 2.
is ready to transform this property into an updated iconic landmark. The
rendering includes two stair towers on each side replacing the fi re escapes,
an elevator penthouse and cupula. All which will be approved. More highlights
to come, stay tuned to The Villager.
Bill and Jill are excited to finally see this process move forward, and are looking forward to being a part of the community through this endeavor. Working alongside their family, they’ve assembled an experienced team that is ready to transform this property into an updated iconic landmark. Bill has 45+ years of experience of designing and building in the Pittsburgh area, and Jill has been in the hospitality industry for 40+ years. They’re joined by Abi Irti (marketing and sales), Nino Irti (bar manager) and Colin Curry (finance manager). Stuart Curry, Lindsay and Tilman Nadolsk and joining as advisory committee members.
Both Bill and Jill grew up in Pittsburgh, but spent many summers in the Chautauqua area. “We grew to love this area from a young age,” says Bill. “We have many fond memories here; Jill actually worked at the Chautauqua Institute as a waitress at the original St. Elmo. We’re looking forward to being more involved in the community through this project.” Both view this as a ‘last project’ of sorts. With retirement on the horizon, they’re focusing their energy and experience into The Hotel Lenhart. “We are excited to take this on, and bring our years of expertise into this project. Our intent is to pass it on to our children someday,” says Jill.
The Curry’s plan to renovate the property, giving it a fresh, updated look and feel, while maintaining it’s historic cham. “This is an iconic building,” says Jill. “We plan to keep the theme similar, but give it a modern touch and bring it up to code.” They plan to create an upscale, year-round waterfront destination, increasing tourism to Bemus Point, and engaging the community in year-round events.
While plans are awaiting approval by the Bemus Point Planning and Zoning Board, The Curry’s anticipate re-opening next summer. Once plans are approved, they plan to have a hospitality tent outside the property for the public to view plans, and see what’s to come. “We welcome everyone to stop by and be a part of this exciting process,” says Jill. “We plan to keep everyone up to date as much as possible, and hope the community is as excited as we are.”
The three adjacent guest houses of the Hotel Lenhart will remain open for weekly rentals on a year-round basis beginning in the 2025 season. Each five-bedroom house provides spacious accommodations for families or groups to gather for any lake-side getaway or event. Each house includes dock access. “They’re perfect for weddings and other events with groups looking to stay close together,” says Jill.
The Hotel Lenhart is beautifully situated on Chautauqua Lake, with the front of the property allowing picturesque views of the sunset. It’s a classic landmark with rich history dating back 143 years ago.
Bill remarks that the new Hotel Lenhart will be a campus with a variety of attractions, including a chef’s table restaurant and pairing center for wine tastings. “We’re looking forward to hosting many events here for locals and visitors alike,” says Bill. “We plan to have movies on the lawn and events throughout the seasons.”
For more information, visit HotelLenhart.com follow on social media, email info@hotellenhart.com and follow The Villager for updates.