New Ownership For Half-Built Hotel In Southeast

SOUTHEAST, NY — The half-built hotel at the intersection of Route 121 and Route 6 in Southeast has a new owner. Now it is expected to be open for business by March 2019.

The property and dormant construction, formerly known as the Fox Ridge Hotel, was purchased by Ahana Hospitality, LLC, Oct. 31. The 57-room hotel, branded and operating as part of the Clarion Group of hotels, sits on 12+ acres right off I-84 at Exit 21.

The Putnam County Industrial Development Agency provided the necessary benefits to close the deal, officials said.

“This project will add a new jobs to the Putnam workforce." Bill Nulk, Chairman of the Putnam IDA, said in announcing the sale. “But more importantly, it becomes a resource for our tourism business and a much-needed lodging option for our own visiting families and friends.”

The hotel is at the site of the former Kelties Bum Steer Steakhouse, which was destroyed in 1997 when leaking propane that had accumulated in the basement exploded, killing two.

The hope of a hotel in this location began in 2009, officials said. But it was soon mired in the economic downturn and other legal problems and could not be completed.

Michael Ligouri and the Hogen and Rossi legal team were able to negotiate a settlement to close out that project and bring in Ahana Hospitality. The Kentucky-based, family-owned company has considerable experience in the hotel business and has what it takes to bring a new hotel to Putnam County, officials said.

“There is no better way to say Putnam County is open for business than with the opening of a hotel,” said Putnam County Executive MaryEllen Odell. “Tourism continues to increase in Putnam County every year, but we have been limited to day-trippers or sending our visitors outside of the county to sleep. Now we will have a quality lodging to offer. I appreciate the Putnam IDA seeing the value in the project.”

Work to complete the remaining exterior requirements of the facility before the winter weather sets in has already begun, officials said.

PHOTO/ Lanning Taliaferro