OBSERVER File Photo SUNY Fredonia has shown interest in purchasing the White Inn.

The proposed new owner of the White Inn is a well-known commodity.

State University of New York at Fredonia’s Dr. Kevin P. Kearns, vice president for Advancement, Engagement, and Economic Development and Michael Metzger, vice president for Finance and Administration, sat down with the OBSERVER to discuss progress on the possible purchase of the White Inn.

Kearns jokingly referred to the college as being “outed” by the Western New York Regional Economic Development Council’s announcement of the college’s plans to acquire the White Inn last week. “We tried to keep (our plans) reasonably quiet because the outcomes aren’t certain yet,” Kearns explained. “We’re still working with the former owner’s mortgage company to reach an agreement, but we haven’t actually purchased the property yet.”

Kearns and Metzger are hopeful that the college will receive the full amount of funding from the REDC to purchase the White Inn, although actual grant amounts can vary. Kearns believes the college’s acquisition of the White Inn will be a boon to both the college and the community, should the purchase go through.

“Our goal, really, is an effort to help the college and community,” Kearns explained. “Bringing the Inn back into operation would be really good for our campus so that guests would have a wonderful place to stay. The economic impact of reopening the Inn would be significant for the community to once again have a place that’s been — both historically and practically — a mainstay for tourists and others coming to the area.”

Metzger added, “It would be great for our campus to have a presence right downtown in the village. That’s another goal in this.”

Kearns acknowledged that when it comes to landmark buildings, such as the White Inn, there is always concern that they could be purchased by another entity that would significantly change the building from its original look and/or purpose.

“Part of our interest is obviously that we think we’re in a position to facilitate quality improvements so that the White Inn is what it should be and always has been or better,” Kearns explained. “Our hope and our goal is that we can contribute to it coming back as a quality place, a centerpiece for the community.”

Possible plans include using the building to accommodate overnight guests, but Kearns said other amenities or features are uncertain at this time.

“It’s premature to know,” said Kearns. “There’s no kitchen equipment in there right now. Our plans are very preliminary but our long-term goal is to make the structural improvements and improvements in the rooms and to, in time, bring back quality dining, the bar, and possibly other options, such as entertainment. Really, we don’t own it, so we can’t say much about it, but we think that’s a good direction for the community. If we are fortunate enough to work something out, I think that would be a great goal for us.”