Article and Photos by Joshua Maloni

GM/Managing Editor

River Region community members, business leaders and elected officials gathered together last week Thursday to celebrate the reopening of the Frontier House with the Historical Association of Lewiston. A private reception was held inside the new Fairbanks restaurant on the building’s street level.

Volunteer and Frontier House expert Lee Simonson, who organized the event, shared the following comments.

“Ladies and gentlemen, you are a part of history this evening – a dramatic part of Lewiston history,” he said. “I figured it out the other night. It's been 7,495 days since McDonald's closed the front door. It's been over 20 years – and for any of us who've lived through the last 20 years, and the drama – the high drama – the frustrations, the headaches – I can't tell you in words the heartache of seeing this building deteriorate in ruins. Well, tonight's the night when this phoenix has risen from the ruins.”

Simonson explained, “We have two people to thank, in particular. We have a lot of people to thank, but tonight is a night of gratitude.

“First, seven years ago yesterday, despite tremendous criticism and backlash, Mayor Terry Collesano, through his leadership, and the Village Board … signed an agreement – a purchase agreement – to buy the Frontier house – with no intention of ever keeping that agreement. Inside that agreement, tucked away, was a transfer clause that allowed the village to transfer the ownership to a private developer. That was, not only in Mayor Collesano’s tenure, but one of the most historic nights in Lewiston history.

“Mayor Collesano leaves office; in comes our next hero, Mayor Anne Welch. Within seven months, Mayor Welch finds a developer who is not only willing to invest millions of dollars in the Frontier House restoration, but is firmly committed to Lewiston – to make this thing work, and to bring one of the finest restaurants. …

“What we have here is the culmination of so many people and so many circumstances. … This is 200 years in the making. Benjamin Barton would be so proud of us tonight, standing here in the building that he built and opened in the early 1820s.

“Ladies and gentlemen, you are blessed; you are a part of history.”

Cutting a cake to mark the opening of the Fairbanks restaurant, inside the historic Frontier House, are Eva Nicklas, former Mayor Terry Collesano, Mayor Anne Welch and Tim Henderson.

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Fairbanks is owned and operated by Daniel Hagen and Jake Strawser, who also run Buffalo’s Billy Club restaurant.

Following the event, Collesano said, “I was so excited to hear it was finally happening after 20 years of the building being empty. More importantly, it brought a smile to my face when I was sitting in the Fairbanks restaurant, looking out the window towards the front porch, where as a child I had the privilege of sitting with the former owner, Perdita Raymond, who I affectionately called Miss Purdy. She had told me extensive stories about her own childhood in Lewiston and the Frontier House, which was her home. Hopefully over the years, there will be many new memories and stories to be shared about our Frontier House. I’m sure Miss Purdy is smiling today.”

Welch said, “Finally – the wait is over! It was absolutely wonderful to see the Frontier House open to the public once again!

“In a triumphant celebration of history and community, Jake Strawser, owner of the new Fairbanks restaurant, warmly welcomed members and guests of the Lewiston Historical Association for a memorable dinner inside the beautifully restored landmark.”

Fairbanks will open to the general public on Friday, June 27. Its hours of operation will be 5-10 p.m. (bar until midnight) Tuesday through Saturday.

For more information, visit www.fairbankslewiston.com or follow @fairbankslewiston on social media.

Strawser said, “I think the thing we want to convey the most is a massive thank you to the community of Lewiston; we are thrilled to bring our version of hospitality to the village and beyond.”

Upward Niagara Chamber of Commerce President Amanda Haseley said, “Fairbanks has truly brought the Frontier House back to life, restoring not just a building, but a treasured part of our community’s history. Since 1824, the Frontier House has stood as a symbol of our region’s resilience and charm. The breathtaking interior brought a deep sense of nostalgia for me, blending historic character with modern elegance. I am quite certain the last time I was in there I was ordering a happy meal from McDonald's. It really is the perfect setting for private parties and memorable experiences.”

Fairbanks welcomes the Lewiston community.

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The Frontier House was built in 1824 and first opened in 1826.

Much more recently, it closed in December 2004, following the end of the lease for then-tenant McDonald’s. Hastings Lewiston sold the building and almost one acre of property to a group comprised of Ellicott Development CEO William Paladino, and developers Bill Game, Jeff Williams and Jerry Williams in February 2019. Renovations began in December 2020. A new tenant – Fairbanks – was announced in January 2024. The Frontier House reopened to the public with private events on June 13 and 19, 2025.

“My sincere gratitude to Bill Paladino of Ellicott Development for taking on this monumental restoration project. A heartfelt thank you, as well, to Bill Game, and Jeff and Jerry Williams, for partnering with Bill to purchase the Frontier House back in 2019,” Welch said. “Lewiston’s ‘Crown Jewel’ has truly been returned to its former glory – it’s a dream that has transformed from vision to reality.”

Ellicott Development is still working toward opening the building’s upper levels for short-term and long-term rentals.

The Frontier House is located at 460 Center St.

PHOTOS

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See also >> Frontier House: Top-notch Fairbanks team to spotlight local ingredients

Fairbanks soft opening Images courtesy of Fairbanks.

The Frontier House’s front porch was recently painted, and railings were installed on the upper exterior levels.

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See also >> Frontier House targeting June opening