White Inn Receives Buffalo Business First Brick-by-Brick Award for Adaptive Re-Use
2026-08-12 10:40:53
CCIDA Press Releases,
Award shines spotlight on effort to redevelop a historic Fredonia landmark
The White Inn, located at 52 E. Main Rd. in Fredonia, NY, recently received the Brick-by-Brick award for adaptive reuse from Buffalo Business First. (Submitted Photo)
FREDONIA, NY – The White Inn, one of Fredonia’s most recognizable historic landmarks, has received a 2026 Buffalo Business First Brick-by-Brick Award in the Adaptive Re-Use category.
The multimillion-dollar project, developed by S. St. George Enterprises, Inc., was nominated for the award by the County of Chautauqua Industrial Development Agency (CCIDA). The award was presented during Buffalo Business First’s July 29 ceremony recognizing outstanding real estate, construction, and development projects across Western New York.
“We are grateful to Buffalo Business First for selecting The White Inn for this prestigious recognition, and we congratulate Steve St. George, Devin Jones, and the entire White Inn team on receiving this well-deserved award,” said Mark Geise, Chautauqua County Deputy County Executive for Economic Development and CCIDA Chief Executive Officer. “This project is an outstanding example of adaptive reuse, historic preservation, and private investment working together to benefit an entire community.”
Built in 1868, the White Inn operated for generations as an inn and restaurant before closing in 2017. After years of vacancy and deterioration, the property was acquired in 2022 by a development team led by St. George, owner of S. St. George Enterprises, Inc., and business partner and Executive Chef Jones.
The multiyear restoration transformed the 25,000-square-foot property into a full-service boutique hotel, restaurant, bar, lounge, and event destination. The restored inn features 25 guest rooms and suites, along with dining, banquet, entertainment, and event spaces. The project preserved many of the building’s signature Victorian-era features, including tin ceilings, fireplaces, cornices, and wainscoting, while adding modern systems and amenities.
The CCIDA and Chautauqua County Department of Planning & Development helped support the project by coordinating incentives and public funding. Assistance included state, federal, and utility grants, along with a Payment In Lieu of Taxes agreement, sales tax exemptions, and a mortgage recording tax exemption.
The restored White Inn now supports tourism, weddings, conferences, business gatherings, SUNY Fredonia visitors, and travelers exploring the region. Upon opening, the business provided more than 60 jobs, many of which are full-time positions. It also generated significant work for local contractors during construction.
“The White Inn is once again a point of pride and an economic anchor for downtown Fredonia,” Geise said. “We were proud to nominate this project, and we appreciate Buffalo Business First for recognizing its importance to Chautauqua County.”
The Brick-by-Brick Awards are given out annually and celebrate excellence in real estate, construction, and development throughout Western New York.
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.