Lewiston: Restoration of Frontier House begins

Mortar work began this week on the Frontier House. Abraxas Inc. of Grand Island was tasked with bolstering the exterior of Lewiston’s 196-year-old “crown jewel.”

Abraxas has been awarded for the quality of its historic renovation projects. As the Frontier House is on the state and national historic registry lists, any construction must abide by specific and historically accurate standards.

The company is repointing the Frontier House exterior. It is removing old mortar while replacing missing pieces with a special blend to match what’s remaining. While making the building more aesthetically pleasing, Abraxas also is stabilizing and weatherproofing the structure.

In February 2019, Hastings Lewiston sold the Frontier House to 4600 LLC Group. The team behind the acquisition included Ellicott Development CEO William Paladino and Lewiston developers Jeff and Jerry Williams, and Bill Game.

Mayor Anne Welch has had regular conversations with Paladino about plans to restore and reopen the Center Street property. Various ideas for the interior have been discussed, but nothing has been officially presented to the municipality’s governing boards.

On Thursday, Paladino said, “We wish we were farther along but COVID has slowed us down and halted many projects in the region including this one.”

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Tim Hortons Opening Soon

Ellicott Development also owns the plaza under construction at Center, North Eighth and Onondaga streets. Crews have been vigorously working on building No. 3 (the largest unit on the north end) and building No. 1.

The latter will be home to a Tim Hortons Café and Bake Shop. Signs for the eatery were installed on Thursday. The store’s opening is said to be imminent.

Quest Diagnostics is open inside building No. 2.

The plaza parking lot was recently repaved and striped. An arrow was drawn on the Center Street entrance indicating it is a one-way road. (Photos by Joshua Maloni)

Note: This Tim Hortons location is not open yet. These prices and products may change.