Pennsylvania Bureau of State Parks representatives presented a proposed site map and rendering to New Hope Borough Council Tuesday night illustrating their agreement with Odette’s Restaurant site developer Gateway to New Hope LLC on “finding a way to re-purpose this [Odette’s] building.”
Gateway originally wanted to bulldoze the historic 1784 structure to make way for its planned “boutique” conference center, but under the agreement with the Bureau of State Parks, it will move the building to the north end of the American Legion parking lot on New Street in New Hope within one year, and ultimately relocate the landmark edifice to the southern tip of the property.
Odette’s will be out of historical context in proximity to that section of the Delaware Canal, but at least it’s being saved from destruction, say many observers.
Meanwhile, state officials haven’t decided whether it’s more economical to restore only the outside of the building and construct additional administrative and exhibition space in a nearby lot (“Plaza Improvements”), or restore the entire building to usable condition.
A representative from Friends of the Delaware Canal expressed the group’s desire that the center of educational and tourism activity remain at the Locktender’s House and its accompanying annex, and that the plaza area be developed, as originally proposed.
Unfortunately, working mule barges on the canal are not on the immediate horizon.
“We haven’t yet come up with a viable operator,” said the State Parks spokesperson, who is hoping that the improvements being considered for the Delaware Canal near Lock 11 will make the concession more attractive and viable for potential licensees.
While I am sad that the building has to be moved, I do like the new site. I like seeing the building upon arrival into town, rather than the parking lot. I look forward to hopefully seeing christmas lights on the building or a beautiful lit facade.
My grandmother’s was one of 16 children of Ancil and Lizzy Schermerhorn raised in New Hope. I’m saddened by the New Hope of today. I spent many summers in the 1960’s visiting my great-aunts and uncles there. New Hope is nothing like the beautiful, quaint town I remember.
My grandfather was a son of Ancel and Lizzy(Stout)
We still live in Lambertville
Let me know if you ever come back to New Hope/Lambertville
Thanks
Jeff
We were the last people who ran the River House and my parents traded it to Odette in return for her house – 150 N. Sugan Road – white two-story. I left the area for Greenwich Village in the early 60s. My parents, Bob and Jean Halter lived till the early 80s. I remember the name Schermerhorn.
No sense in re-locating the Odette’s building. New Hope has already rid itself of any historical character. Why are the canal barges not running anymore? PETA. Mules, bred for pulling and towing, are best left to the fields to munch grass, or, euthanized as per PETA’s favorite solution. The steam locomotive that used to run for visitors’ delight? Too much smoke and noise. The diesel locomotive now running is next up for expulsion due to smoke emanating from its engine. It also has noise and a horn that causes distress amongst the new residents. So, come to New Hope to buy a sequined vest or boots of uber Italian fashion at Savioni. I’m sure the Milan crowd would be envious, and, wonder why you are here instead of SoHo.
Yes, Kit. In my last years there, I just remember the streets glutted with tourists wandering seemingly aimlessy about. The streets bumper to bumper with cars. All the families had gone.