The transformation of Baldwinsville's former Mercer Mill into a new hotel is almost complete. The newly named Red Mill Inn is scheduled to open the first week of May.

Recently, it has been nothing more than a vacant eyesore.

Last year, a $3 million construction project began to transform the mill into a new inn and conference center.

Now construction on the Red Mill Inn is almost complete.

"The furniture arrives on Monday morning bright and early, so we're doing our last minute touchups. Really, all that's left is some cosmetic work," said Red Mill Inn Co-owner Jake McKenna.

The inn will feature 32 rooms with the original columns maintained to preserve history. Many of the rooms will have a beautiful view overlooking the Seneca River. The conference center will fit up to 150 people.

The inn is expected to be a nice attraction to boaters that stop at Lock 24. McKenna says the inn will not include a restaurant, and that's because it hopes to be a compliment to area.

"We wanted to come up with something that was not going to compete with the existing businesses but was going to enhance the existing businesses. So we were specifically adverse to putting a restaurant or bar or establishment here," McKenna said.

While the local economy will hopefully improve, it also helps make the village healthier for people who live here.

"I think that its going to continue to keep Baldwinsville a vibrant place for people to want to come adding to the island with the summer concerts and a genuine nice place to be," said Baldwinsville resident Bob DeMont

The inn is scheduled to open May 4th.

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