The project has caught the attention of inquisitive passers-by traveling on Route 902 and Mill Road in Mahoning Township and also curious folks who frequented there as children with their parents.

Not a day goes by, it seems, that they don’t inquire about “what’s going on” with the renovation project currently underway at the historic former Broney’s Hotel, a 124-year-old 9,000-square-foot structure that sits at that intersection.

“Our contractors tell us people are always asking that question, and others in the neighborhood stop by to see what’s planned for the building,” said Cindy Gasper, one of original six investors who purchased the property in 2008.

Gasper and her brother, Dean Bartholomew, are now the driving force behind the project.

“We’re building a business plan and pursuing it; and we’re excited about it,” she said.

The siblings are planning to open the former hotel in the Spring of 2023 as a destination for restaurant dining, “a place to hang out” and a site to pick up pastries, coffee/tea in early morning/afternoon at an Irish-style cafe that will be part of the family attraction.

“A family investment group purchased the building 14 years ago after it failed to sell at an auction,” Bartholomew said. “Our goal at the time was to create a place where the community can gather to eat, sip and play, and, now, Cindy and I are pursuing that plan.”

He said their goal is to open the facility next year in the 125th anniversary year of the building originally built by Thomas Beltz in 1898.

Gasper, however, cautions the target date is pending due to the unavailability of construction products (such as windows) caused by the pandemic.

When they first took ownership of the Victorian-styled building, Bartholomew said the first priority was to “replace the roof and get the building under cover.”

That in itself was a huge undertaking, but the challenge was met when a red-painted metal standing seam roof was installed. Bartholomew noted, “We were able to keep it in the Victorian style with scalloped shingles that have a slate look.”

Nearly a decade and a half later, contractors can be seen at the site almost daily as the massive renovation project proceeds.

Bartholomew, who works as a managing director of an IT company in the legal business, said because the space is so large, “the plan it to create distinct spaces with unique styles that will offer patrons different settings to meet their moods.”

Circa 1898

He said the main dining room downstairs and the adjacent barroom “will retain their original layout and features and be renovated in elegant Victorian style to provide fine dining and an old-fashioned cocktail lounge.”

The restaurant/bar itself will be known as “Circa 1898” in reference to Beltz’s establishment of 125 years ago.

In another area downstairs, Gasper, a medical editor who has always had a passion for baking and grew up baking with her mother, will open an Irish-style cafe to be called “Paranormal Pastries,” a name suggested by Gasper’s niece, Willa Bartholomew.

She said the name is a tribute to the Blue Mountain Paranormal Society and the rumors that the building is haunted, noting, “It (the building) is a favorite site for anyone interested in paranormal activity and was also featured on the show, ‘Ghost Detectives.’?”

Meanwhile, the upstairs, which is divided by a center hallway, will have two additional spaces,” Bartholomew said. The “1898 Saloon” will have a rustic vibe with a large bar, casual dining, an area for a dance floor and will be able to feature some live music.

Bartholomew said, “On the other side will be the ‘The Parlor,’ which will be decorated in Victorian gothic style and provide a place for people to gather to play games with small plate meals. It will include tables for poker, roulette, blackjack (non-gambling of course), as well as space for card clubs to play pinochle, bridge, canasta, etc.” Gasper said.

“My five siblings and I had so much fun growing up playing Monopoly, Clue, Pinochle and many other games, so our idea is that we want to create a space that is fun to spend time with family and friends and allow the community a chance to connect with things like trivia nights; Family Feud; Win, Lose or Draw; card tournaments and board games.”

She added, “This area needs a place where people can go after dinner to hang out, watch sports, or maybe spend time in the saloon area.”

Relaxation will be key.

“Or, they may want to wine and dine on the new patio and enjoy the beautiful quiet country scenery of New Mahoning. In restaurants, for example, patrons are moved in and out, as their table is cleared for the next customers. We hope people will find our place as one where friends or family can dine and then enjoy other areas of the restaurant without being rushed,” Gasper said.

Eventually, the hotel restoration project is likely to create service industry jobs. Bartholomew said they plan to hire a person to manage the multiuse building. Cooks, bartenders, waitresses and other personnel will also be ultimately put on the payroll.