The Groton Hotel interior renovation is underway

Since Christine Clare Brennan, owner of The Benn Conger Inn, purchased The Groton Hotel (TGH) in June 2024, all eyes have been on that corner of Main and East Cortland Streets, and all ears have been to the ground — watching, listening and waiting for evidence of its reopening.

As noted in the Nov. 20 edition of this column, renovations have been underway since then. Initially, the exterior was painted by Joseph Rivers Painting, the windows were extended, the retail space was completely renovated and Groton Antiques opened in the building November 1. That story may be found in the Nov. 6 edition of this column. The exterior of the landmark building is looking fabulous, but there is still much to do before it will be fully functional.

Tim and Theo Bishop of Bishop Brothers Contracting kicked things off in December when they turned what had been a dirt floor with moisture damage into a brand-new concrete basement floor on the east side. They will continue with construction; in the meantime, Jesse Norton, architectural designer of the exterior windows, is now designing and constructing the exterior sign, which will bear the name “The Groton Hotel.”

Drew Clare, general manager of The Benn Conger Inn, who will also be the general manager of TGH, explained that the original hope to open the restaurant in 2025 will be delayed, but he hopes the sign will be encouraging, particularly because they are keeping the building’s name.  

Renovations are taking time, but worth the end result

“Everything takes time,” Clare said. “We want to hurry up, but it’s better to slow down to think things through. We decided it makes more sense to start from the third floor down to do it the right way.”

Thus, progress is underway to create apartments on the third and second floors. There will be two 1100 square-foot, two-bedroom apartments on the third floor. The second floor will house two one-bedroom units and two furnished short-term efficiency apartments.

“The short-term rentals will be ideal for business travelers or people moving to the area needing a place briefly,” Clare explained. “They could rent them for a few months or weekly, and they will have kitchenettes, bathrooms and shared onsite laundry facilities. The larger apartments will have their own washers and dryers and will each have their own electric meters.”

Clare further explained that the east wall — closest to the old fire department building — will have an enclosed stairwell leading to the apartments on the south side for tenant use, while the north side will house a wood-fired pizza oven for the restaurant.

Restaurant plans are detailed and well thought out

“That back area will also be an enclosed, heated area that will be handicapped-accessible, with an entry to the dining room, and have outdoor seating,” Clare said. “The goal is to have a pickup window back there also for take-out items.”

The electric service has also been upgraded. The plan is to keep the existing kitchen where it is and to keep the existing bathrooms, but the owners will also add ADA-compliant bathrooms and raise the ceiling at the main entrance.

“We’re going to restore that ceiling to its former glory,” Clare said, “The décor of the bar will be like an Irish pub, and [it] will be called ‘Eddy Brennan’s Tavern,’ named after [Chris Brennan’s] late husband. We’re considering all options for the restaurant’s theme and décor, but the main focus right now is restoration. It has been way more involved than anticipated, and we want to have a finished product from the top down. Much is going on inside, but it’s all going according to plan. Certain things just can’t be rushed, but the end product will be something the community can be proud of. We’re bringing the landmark it once was back!”

Groton on the Inside appears every week in Tompkins Weekly. Submit story ideas to editorial@vizellamedia.com or text or call Linda at 607-227-4922. 

In brief:

Steak’s on!

McLean Community Church, 50 Church St., will offer its famous Delmonico steak dinner from 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday, May 17. The $25 dinner also includes baked potato, salad, vegetable medley, beverage and homemade pie! Eat in or take out. Reservations are highly recommended by May 16 by calling 315-496-9432.

Johnson Museum at Groton Library

The Groton Public Library welcomes Carol Hockett, who will be teaching Johnson Museum of Art Printmaking Saturday, May 17 at 11 a.m. Come learn about printmaking. Adults will experiment with linocut blocks and kids with foam to make unique prints. This free workshop will be in GPL’s Great Room. Register via director@grotonpubliclibrary.org.

Trail Tune-up Day

Groton Recreation is seeking volunteers to help clean up the Groton Trail System from 9 a.m. to 12 noon Saturday, May 17. All are welcome, but volunteers age 14 and under must be accompanied by a parent. Please bring your own tools and gloves. Meet at the Groton Memorial Park pavilion on Sykes Street and stay for lunch afterwards. Visit grotonnyrecreation.com for details.