Investor group seeks to resurrect Odette’s in New Hope as ’boutique hotel, restaurant and banquet facility’

A small group of local investors have assumed ownership of Odette’s, and created an initial plan and support team to refurbish and reopen the establishment, according to a press release issued Thursday by Gateway to New Hope Partners.

Spearheaded by Inn at Bowman’s Hill owner Mike Amery, efforts to revive Odette’s started almost seven years ago, culminating now in approvals from multiple state and local agencies to build a boutique hotel, restaurant and banquet facilities.

Said Amery, ”Following several years of alternating hope and despair, I am 100 percent confident that we finally have a team in place who, with the ongoing support of the local community and government agencies, will bring the project to the finish line in a timely manner.

“We received enthusiastic public and political support across the board, and the cooperation with New Hope Borough and Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) could not have been better,” added Amery. Odette’s is surrounded by the DCNR-controlled Delaware Canal.

Two members of the investment group — local resident Edward Breen and John Sprandio — led the team that in 2013 opened the Reeds at Shelter Haven, a hotel/restaurant in Stone Harbor, New Jersey.

The new partnership has retained the prominent Philadelphia-based architect Richard Stokes, who has completed the initial design phase, according to the press release. Schematic plans will be presented at the New Hope Borough Council meeting Feb. 18.

In addition to Mike Amery, Ed Breen and John Sprandio, the group also includes local residents Scott Kelley and Tom Lynch.

“I look forward to sharing the proposed plans with the community,” said Kelley. “The design builds on the history of Odette’s and the architecture of the immediate area. Odette’s is truly the gateway to New Hope and I believe this project will stimulate an economic resurgence at the southern end of town and beyond.”

“It is extremely encouraging to see how much can be accomplished through the cooperation of community organizations, state and local officials and dedicated private citizens,” State Senator Chuck McIlhinney said. “Odette’s is a significant landmark for the region, and the reemergence of this property should serve as a point of local pride for area residents.”

DCNR Secretary Ellen Ferretti said, “DCNR is impressed with the current vision for Odette’s and the overall effort that’s attracted partners and investors from throughout the Delaware River region. The proposed revitalization and renovation of the property and business has the potential for a positive impact on the region, its citizens and the Delaware Canal State Park. The reestablishment of this iconic landmark serves to strengthen the historic character and continuity of the Delaware Canal Trail. DCNR looks forward to a productive public-private partnership with this group of local investors dedicated to restoring the historic Odette’s.”