Hotel now open

Lewiston Porter Sentinel, September 22, 2007

The Barton Hill Hotel is open for business. Owners Ed and Diane Finkbeiner received a certificate of occupancy, with restrictions, from Building Inspector Ken Candella allowing them to host people and events in the first floor and on the patio.

The credential lists use and conditions as: “Limited to the interior first floor area only and further excluding room No.s 112, 116, 117, 118, 122, spa area, pool & fitness center, north & south rear hallways located within first floor. Rooms 123, 124 & 125 are dedicated as public womens room, handicapped accessible washroom and mens room, respectively.”

The certificate, which was awarded Sept. 14, goes on to read, “No construction work involving motorized equipment and/or welding/torch material in proposed basement parking area during times of occupancy of certified area. All parking to be off-site at 65 Center Street. Non-certified areas locked off, including elevators and north & south rear exiting hallways, from public access.

“Areas not specifically certified for occupancy are excluded here from.”

Lewiston engineer and Planning Board member Dave Giusiana signed off on the building’s evacuation plan. SimplexGrinnell accepted the fire detection and sprinkler certifications. Pete Butrey OK’d the electrical inspection. Village engineer emeritus Richard San Giacomo consented to the structural soundness of the building. Bryan Meigs, superintendent of public works, approved the plumbing. The Niagara County Health Department also offered its consent.

Speaking of the hotel, Marra said, “I really still believe this is the best thing for the village – it’s the one thing we don’t have.”