Historic building to be restored
By: Ryan Peterson

Grace development of Pittsfield in partnership with First Columbia development company of Albany will invest $4 million to turn the former Maplewood Hotel into 20 luxury condominiums.

Beth Pearson, Grace LLC said, "I had the opportunity to tour it in January, and when I walked in the door I knew I had to somehow purchase it."

Pearson said the plan is to renovate and restore as much of the original architecture as they can.

Pearson said, "Our plan is to really try and renovate much of the original architecture, beautiful hardwood floors. Some condos have three fire places, very European style kitchens, the original moldings and the splendor of the 1800s."

And just how much will all this 19th century grandeur cost?

"We're looking at a range between $200,000 and $400,000," said Pearson.

Those closely aligned with the renaissance in downtown Pittsfield said the housing component is the key to make it all work.

Yvonne Pearson of Downtown, Inc. said, "Even with the Colonial and the cinema and the new restaurants coming in, you need the residents. That's the foot traffic that shops the street everyday, that walks to the theater and walks to the restaurants."

A residential model will be ready for public viewing in June. Construction is expected to be completed by March 2006.