Gamble Mill is back on the market, as the potential buyer who announced plans to redevelop the property last September has let the contract expire, according to Bellefonte Borough assistant manager Don Holderman. This was confirmed by real estate agent Derek Canova, of Kissinger, Bigatel and Brower. The property’s current value is listed at $1 million on the agency’s website.
Shauna McClure and Gary Werkheiser had announced plans to redevelop the property as The Inn at Lamb’s Mill, in reference to the site’s original name. They planned to create a luxury boutique hotel, a high-end restaurant and an authentic Irish Pub with a craft brewery, but now the old building is back on the market.
This is second time that someone has backed away from the historic building. Last July, Marian Bradley, of Montana, ended a yearlong effort to purchase the building with a group of investors and open a restaurant and brewery in the location.
In January 2015, co-owners Dave Fonash and Paul Kendeffy chose to pursue different career paths and closed Gamble Mill. Since then, the large presence in a revitalized Bellefonte has sat empty as the riverfront area in front of it was redeveloped with an open space and pedestrian walkway.
Canova said there are a couple of prospective buyers who currently are interested in the property. He said he feels that, with the right buyer who knows Bellefonte, there is an opportunity to do something special with the building.
The 5,841-square-foot landmark building was constructed in 1894, replacing the original Lamb’s Mill, which was built on the site in 1786. It anchors the north end of the Bellefonte Waterfront Revitalization District.
Canova said how long it will be before Gamble Mill is serving customers again depends on many factors, including what the new owners plan to do with the location. The previous potential buyers were looking at a large renovation with the hotel addition, but Canova said if the plan is to open a restaurant in the building, it could be quicker, with fewer renovations.
Canova also said whoever buys the building will have great support from the borough. He said he believes the building is the next step in the revitalization of Bellefonte.
