The Parrott House, the centerpiece of Schoharie, has new owners.
Village residents Dean and Ruth Coughtry recently bought the Main Street landmark and are planning a restaurant, retail space and apartments there.
"We think it's worth it," Mr. Coughtry said. "The Parrott House has been the center of the community, and we'd like to see it happen again."
The Coughtrys, who didn't reveal the purchase price, anticipate a restaurant on the main floor, apartments on the second and third floors, and shops in the basement.
They don't plan to run the restaurant and businesses themselves, however; they want to rent to entrepreneurs.
"We're seeking individuals who enjoy that sort of thing," Mr. Coughtry said.
"Some people have asked about opening a restaurant there, and we're willing to talk to anyone else who wants to, too."
Any opening is months away. The 1870 inn suffered damage from Hurricane Irene and hasn't recovered.
"Actually, it's worse than just damage from Irene," Mr. Coughtry said. "It's not in good shape. . .It's a disaster. It looks like it's been trashed."
Mr. Coughtry plans to have the building tested for lead and asbestos, which he believes are there. Then, he'll hire a contractor experienced in lead and asbestos removal to gut the inn.
The couple is hoping a grant that the Village of Schoharie applied for will help with the work.
Mayor John Borst said the grant application was submitted Friday. If approved, much of the funding would go to the Parrott House, and some would go to the Taylor Block, which is across the street and formerly housed The Glass Bar and a restaurant.
"It would be great to put these two buildings back in business," Mayor Borst said. "We need to get Main Street up and running."
And he's especially pleased with new owners for the Parrott House.
"I'm excited with the prospects of the Coughtrys doing this job," Mayor Borst said. "They're very enthusiastic and have good ideas. This is fantastic news."
Mr. Coughtry wants to reach prospective tenants before renovations are finished. Anyone interested in talking to him about running a restaurant or retail shops--he suggested a bakery--can reach Mr. Coughtry at 518-231-1855.

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Schoharie resident John Wilkinson contributed to this story.