Michael Ferguson

Iconic Fredonia Structure Returns to Original Splendor as Hotel, Restaurant, Bar, and Events Space FREDONIA, NY – Dozens of invited guests were at The White Inn in Fredonia on Thursday, June 26 to participate in a special ribbon cutting and grand opening ceremony that officially marks a new era for the historic downtown structure. The event was co-hosted by the County of Chautauqua Industrial Development Agency (CCIDA) and the CHQ Chamber, along with ownership and staff from The White Inn. The White Inn restoration and reopening is the culmination of a multimillion dollar, three-year effort made possible by an ownership team represented by Steve St. George, owner of S. St. George Enterprises, Inc., along with business partner and Executive Chef Devin Jones. In July 2022, the group announced its plans to purchase and redevelop the long-vacant building and return it to its original splendor as a hotel, restaurant, bar, and events space. Extensive work began in the fall of 2022 and the business formally opened in November 2024, although additional renovation work continued through the spring and into the summer of 2025. The White family built the home that serves as the core of the Inn in 1868. It was expanded, converted, and opened to guests in 1920 and continued to serve as a landmark hotel and restaurant until its closure in 2017.  Now fully restored and reopened as an elegant hospitality venue with full modern amenities, the project preserved many original architectural details of the 25,000 square-foot structure, including tin ceilings, numerous fireplaces, cornices, and wainscoting. The Inn also boasts 25 fully renovated and furnished guest rooms and suites.  A large dining room, banquet room, lounge, and expansive kitchen area on the first floor are designed to facilitate food service for large numbers of guests. “When we announced our purchase of The White Inn during the summer of 2022, I said I was excited to have the opportunity to give back to Fredonia, and now, nearly three years later, I can confidently say I’m even more excited today than I was when we first made the announcement,” said St. George. “I know what The White Inn means to the community, and I have done everything in my power to restore and make it a point of pride in the community once again. I also want to thank the CCIDA and the State for all of their assistance in helping to make this challenging project a reality.” The CCIDA, along with the Chautauqua County Department of Planning & Development, assisted in making the project financially viable, both in terms of CCIDA financial incentives and through the coordination of a number of capital grants. In 2022, Empire State Development (ESD) awarded the project an ESD Capital Grant in the amount of $519,448. Also in 2022, the CCIDA provided assistance through a PILOT agreement and through sales tax and mortgage recording tax exemptions. In 2023, Chautauqua County was awarded a $1.25 Million Restore NY Communities Initiative Grant award for the White Inn restoration, also via ESD. Finally, the New York State Office of Community Renewal (OCR) provided $180,000 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding, while National Grid also provided a $100,000 Main Street Revitalization grant as part of their Shovel Ready grant program. The State and CCIDA’s assistance stipulated that the project cost must equal or exceed $3.9 million, which was achieved. “We are over-the-top impressed with the final product, which provides a much-needed hospitality venue in the heart of Fredonia while helping to maintain a major piece of local history,” said Mark Geise, Deputy Chautauqua County Executive for Economic Development and CEO of the CCIDA. “Steve, Devin, and their entire team have done a stellar job and The White Inn has become a key destination for residents and visitors alike. We want to thank them for making such an investment in the County, and also express our appreciation to all stakeholders who understood and had confidence in this project to make it a reality, including the Village, the County, New York State and many others.” “The rebirth of the White Inn is helping increase tourism and create jobs while at the same time restoring a historic landmark and creating an enhanced community appeal. “The renovated property honors the building’s history, but also makes it relevant to new generations,” said Karen Utz, ESD Western New York Regional Director, on behalf of Hope Knight, ESD President, CEO & Commissioner.  “The restoration of this historic landmark in the heart of Fredonia will help to provide much needed hospitality services for visitors and residents from throughout the region,” said Paul “PJ” Wendel, Chautauqua County Executive. “Whether you’re looking to host a conference or banquet, coming in from out-of-town and need a place to stay, or simply looking to have a great meal with friends and family, The White Inn can once again meet your needs. Congratulations to Steve, Devin, and their team for all the hard work and dedication they put forward to make this development effort come to life.” "Growing up in Fredonia, The White Inn was always a staple landmark in the village. Having it restored to its former glory is a huge win for our region," said State Senator George Borrello, whose district includes Fredonia. "I commend Steve St. George and Devin Jones for their dedication and vision, as well as the CCIDA, the County Executive, and everyone else who helped make this vision a reality." “The White Inn is a huge economic anchor for our village,” proclaimed Fredonia Mayor Michael Ferguson, who also provided The White Inn ownership and management with a key to the Village. “Not only has it once again become a key destination, but it also will help to support other businesses in our community by bringing and keeping visitors into the heart of our business district. We want to express our sincere appreciation to Steve St. George, Devin Jones, and their entire team, along with the CCIDA and New York State, for helping to revitalize a signature destination in Fredonia.” “A major part of the Chamber’s mission is to champion our local businesses in Chautauqua County, and it’s especially exciting today to help welcome a new era for the historic White Inn, here in Fredonia. We’re always ready and willing to assist alongside our partners not only The White Inn, but any business – large or small - that makes an investment and commitment to do business in our County,” said Dan Heitzenrater, CHQ Chamber president and emcee for the grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony.  Others in attendance for the Ribbon Cutting included Andrew Molitor, State Assemblyman; Christine Rinaldi, representing Congressman Nick Langworthy; Councilwoman/Deputy Town Supervisor Ann Eckman, on behalf of the Town of Pomfret; representatives from the Chautauqua County legislature; and other representatives from Empire State Development. For more information on The White Inn – including booking information for rooms or the banquet facility, visit TheWhiteInn.com, call (716) 672-2103, or find it on Facebook and Instagram. About CCIDA - The CCIDA is an economic development organization authorized and empowered by the State of New York to make Chautauqua County a better place to work, live, and visit. It facilitates development by attracting new businesses, while promoting the retention and expansion of existing businesses. Assistance in the form of incentives – tax abatements, low interest loans, and bond financing – enhances the opportunities for job creation and retention by our businesses. For more information visit ChooseCHQ.com.