Building comes with more than $1.7 million in state funding
By Andrew Harris,
One of the most famous structures in Wellsville is back in the news. The former railroad station known as the “Old Depot” in modern history, has been put up for sale. Then shortly after the Middaugh Realty For Sale sign went up, the red brick road around the building was closed to traffic and security fencing erected.
The new reality was a surprise to many considering the last update on the building was an ambitious plan by local businessmen. A $1.7 million dollar grant award from the NY State was finalized in mid-2024 and Wellsville had her fingers crossed that the building would be revitalized.
Those hopes appear to be dashed and the building at 10 Depot Street is now list for sale with a $187K and a statement on the listing stating:
If you have always had a vision for “The Depot” now is your opportunity. Due to unforeseen personal issues, the current owners are offering this Historic Wellsville Erie Depot building and property for sale to the public.
According to Village of Wellsville Mayor Ed Fahs, the massive grant funding will still be available to a potential buyer. “If the scope of a new project remains similar to what was awarded the funding will still be available, according to the NY Department of State,” the Mayor told the Sun today.
Fahs also confirmed that the owners had informed the village they would be closing the road for liability and safety reasons while they search for a buyer. Based on our 2022 reporting, one of the building owners Andrew Sisson explained that the red brick road is private property:
“Based on our survey and title research, it seems like it’s not actually a road at all. We have a right to shut traffic down and make it completely pedestrian,” Sisson said. “However, the post office uses it and there is access to the American Legion parking lot, so it is an important road.”
The building is seriously deteriorated and hasn’t had any improvements made after Rochester’s John Kucko visited to explore the Old Depot shortly after the 2022 sale.
For now, Wellsville’s fingers are still crossed, hoping a buyer emerges to keep this bit of history intact and improved. Wellsville was once a great railroad town and the depot represents that history for many.
Read John Anderson’s exclusive on the plan that wasn’t meant to be from 2022 below:
