Saxonburg’s longest continually operating hotel, restaurant and bar is closed.
Ownership for the Hotel Saxonburg broke the news in a social media post on Wednesday.
“After much consideration, the decision has been made to cease operations due to health issues, rising costs of food and the growing expenses associated with maintaining our beloved historic building,” the statement read.
Built in 1832, Hotel Saxonburg has been around as long as the borough, itself. Generations of diners and hotel guests have passed through the colonial-style, bright-white building along the town’s historic main drag.
The business changed hands in 2023 after then-owner and general manager Judy Ferree sold it to a pair of Sarver-area residents. Annette Gervais and Lee Uncapher got the property for $625,000 — $200,000 more than what Ferree paid for it in 2010.
“It has been an honor to serve this wonderful community, and we’re truly grateful for the memories and support we’ve shared along the way,” the owners said on social media. “It has been a privilege to host so many of you and we will miss the connections, camaraderie and smiling faces.”
The owners did not immediately return a request for an interview.
It’s unclear what’s next for the 193-year-old building at 220 W. Main Street, but the richness of its past is undeniable. The building features original woodwork, floors, fireplaces, ceilings and a copper-top bar — the same one, perhaps, graced by a few famous figures over the years.
A glass case holds a guest register from 1918 and bears the signature of Woodrow Wilson, who is said to have been a hotel guest.
The property was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. Its earlier names included The Vogeley House, The Belvedere House, The Laube House and The Central Hotel.
