The Landmark Society is working with a dedicated group of local citizens in the Town of Clarendon (Orleans County), to save the former Stone Store in the small hamlet of Clarendon. This unique Medina sandstone commercial building was constructed in 1836 and served as a general store and social gathering spot in the hamlet for almost 140 years before closing in 1975. The building was subsequently divided into apartment units. It has sat vacant since 2007 and is now owned by the Town. After considering demolition, on July 19, 2011 the Town Board granted The Landmark Society and the Old Stone Store Preservation Committee (OSSPC) one year to find a new owner who will rehabilitate this rare Federal style commercial building and bring it back on the tax rolls.

Together Landmark Society staff and members of the OSSPC have begun the process of getting the Stone Store listed in the National Register of Historic Places. This honorary designation will allow future owners to take advantage of the Federal Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit program as well as the New York State Commercial Tax Credit program. This will mean that a future owner can potentially take advantage of tax credits worth up to 40% of qualified rehabilitation costs. (The NY State Historic Preservation Office administers these tax credit programs—visit their website to learn more).

With a $500 donation from The Landmark Society to kickstart the project, the OSSPC raised sufficient funds from generous local donors to hire Bero Architecture PLLC of Rochester to conduct a site visit and prepare a brief report describing the condition of the building, suggested remedial work, potential restoration work and priorities. The report, prepared by John Bero, will be vital to the marketing of the property as it will give prospective buyers an objective evaluation of the current condition of the building and potential costs for rehabilitation.

Donors who have helped fund this service include: local businessman, Joe Sidonio; the Clarendon Historical Society; Clarendon-born Dr. Daniel Schiavone, who practices dentistry in Holley; and Mr.  & Mrs. Gerald Ward, formerly of Clarendon.  The Clarendon Fire Department has also assisted by pumping out the basement prior to Bero’s inspection and by providing use of the ladder truck to allow inspection of the roof. A most heartfelt Thank You goes out to everyone who has helped so far by donations of cash, time and expertise.

Stay tuned to our website and Facebook page for updates on the Clarendon Stone Store!