Your Stories Q&A: Is there still a plan to renovate this historic hotel in Mexico?

MEXICO, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) – You ask, we answer!

Viewer Question: What’s the latest with construction on the historic Beck’s Hotel in the Village of Mexico? Construction looks to have stopped. Has the plan to renovate the old building fallen through?

The owner told NewsChannel 9 that the project is moving forward, but shared few details…

The historic John Beck’s Hotel has been a fixture on Main Street in the Village of Mexico Since the late 1800s.

In early 2023, Christal Watters and her daughter, Rebekah, purchased the building with the goal to open a café, restaurant/bar, and hotel.

It was welcomed news to people living in Mexico. the Beck’s Hotel had fallen on hard times and has been closed for roughly 20 years.

Watters told us last year that she estimated the entire rehab would cost $2.5 million.

She also told us back then that the goal was to open the building in phases. The family hoped to open the café and some hotel rooms by late summer/early fall of last year. That didn’t happen.

Fast forward to the present day, and the building is still closed, at least one window is boarded up and a construction permit from the Village of Mexico displayed in another window, shows it expired at the start of the year.

Despite what appears to be a lack of progress, Watters recently told us the project is moving forward with work happening inside the building. But she refused to offer additional details and said she hoped to be able to comment further at a later date.

The Clock is ticking on $1.8 million grant for the project

This project to rehab this old landmark does appear to be on the clock.

In May of 2023, the Village of Mexico was able to secure a $1.8 million New York Restore Grant for the project.

According to Mexico Mayor Terry Grimshaw, the grant is only good for two years. He said it’s set to expire in the spring.

Grimshaw added that the grant stipulates that Watters only gets the money if the work on Beck’s gets completed.

According to the village, Watters would need to reapply for a new construction permit for work to proceed.

When asked about the deadline, Watters said she was hopeful that enough work would be completed, allowing them to get an extension on the grant.

Mayor Grimshaw said the village continues to be in contact with Watters in hopes of moving the project forward.

We’ll keep tracking this story and update you with any new developments.

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