New Tenant for Guinan's Building?


It looks like the old Guinan's building may be turned into a gathering spot for the public once again. Local Garrison residents Chris and Sharon Davis are pursuing permits to lease the building and turn it into a commuter retail store and restaurant, according to
Chip Allemann, the general manager for two local establishments already owned by the Davis family: The Garrison and Highlands Country Club.

Chris Davis runs N.Y.-based investment fund and he and his wife Sharon are active in many facets of Philipstown's environmental and historical preservation.

Assuming all goes according to plan, Allemann, who would also help oversee this new venture, says they intend to open operations in the second quarter of 2013 after renovations are completed. There would be a commuter retail store open daily from early in the morning and a bar with light fare also open daily starting around midday.

The current Tavern restaurant located at the Highlands Country Club would be moved to the Guinan's building and serve a dinner menu Wednesday through Sunday, Allemann says. The Highlands Country Club facility on Route 9-D would continue to host weddings.

Chris Davis is mentioned in the chapter "Mornings" in Little Chapel on the River in a scene where John Guinan introduces me to commuters, dividing them into those who are in his opinion "good guys," and those who are not. (Chris made the cut.)

It looks to be a welcome turn of events for what has been a long running saga over what would become of this special, historic building - which until recently, was to become office space. There's no replacing Guinan's, but at least there's a chance for a heartbeat to return to the spot, which has been standing empty, decaying, since 2008. And better yet - for the resuscitation to take place under the hands of one of John's "good guys."

Comments

Duncan Brine said…
Thanks Wendy for continuing to tell the story of this special watering hole.
Thanks for the good news, Gwendolyn.
- Peter von Bergen
tgeddie said…
It is a start in the right direction. Good news for 2012!
tgeddie said…
Great news for 2012!
clip bartow said…
great news wendy! thanks for the update.
Bob Nelson said…
Great to hear it will continue to be part of the community. It will be interesting to see the final product. Bob Nelson(BubbaNel)
Anonymous said…
Good to know,Hoping for the best
I was sang (off key as usual) with the man on closing night. I also purchased a Guinan polo shirt, which I will wear often, until it's threadbare and unrecognizable. Are there any polo shirts available anywhere for purchase? I'd like to get a few for friends who had a Guinan connection. Thanks for any response....and for this site.
Kevin Childs (kc@4asap.com)
saquinn said…
Any update on the opening?

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