Construction of new condominiums on Owego’s Lake Street to begin in September

For George and April Swaney, long-time Tioga County residents and owners of the Tioga Trails Café’ located at 50 Lake St. in Owego, N.Y., plans for a project that started more than a year ago to turn the second and third floors of their property into condominiums is coming to fruition.

The Swaney’s explained that the idea and inspiration came about after other development occurred in the community, such as the growth of various new and existing businesses in Tioga County and the creation of other new apartment options. 

“It made sense, and it’s good for Owego,” George commented, adding, “And the timing was right.”

Now with the green light on and building permit in hand, and after multiple discussions and meetings with the planning board and the historic preservation commission, among others, the Swaney’s are excited for the construction and renovations to begin.

“Visitors and residents should see and hear activity beginning in September,” the Swaney’s shared.

The Swaney’s also explained that the general contractor should have the first unit available by the end of the year, and the couple expects to start open-house tours around the same time.

The project will result in four condominiums on the second floor, and five on the third floor, all from about 900 to 1,000 square feet. Eight units will be two-bedrooms, and one will be one bedroom and will include appliances such as a refrigerator, dishwasher, washer and dryer. Some aspects will be partially customized, like a bathtub or walk-in shower in the bathroom, but most will include a spacious kitchen area with island, and an open design floor plan with a large living area.  

Access to a courtyard sitting area will be a key feature, as will be use of a renovated rooftop. Basement space will also be available for rent.

“The design will be an open space, more like a ‘great room,’” April said, and further explained that the design will appeal to those who look to prepare meals in the kitchen while still being able to mingle and converse with guests relaxing in the living room.

The Swaney’s have received interest for the new condominiums by word-of-mouth, but will begin taking inquiries. The couple explained that the three main target markets for the new venture are young professionals attracted to an urban environment within walking or bike riding distance of shops and restaurants, individuals who are downsizing or are ‘empty nesters,’ or couples who are looking for a central location if their employment takes them in opposite directions of each other.  

Most long-time residents in the area know that the 50 Lake St. property housed Bern Furniture for thirty years, but then remained vacant for two years until the Swaney’s purchased it in 1998. Prior to it being a furniture shop, the property was also home to a Grand Union supermarket and a J.C. Penney store.

Notable history also flips several chapters back to 1906, when the building operated as a hotel for several decades. With that in mind, the Swaney’s believe they are contributing to the “full-circle” effect by bringing life back into the upper floors of the property as a residential establishment.   

The Swaney’s enjoy working in and being part of the Owego community, but also maintain their appeal of country living at their Berkshire, N.Y. home, where they have resided since the early 1970’s.  

George, a native of Los Angeles, Calif., and April, originally from Long Island, N.Y., are eager for the transformation of their property and pleased to have it be part of Owego’s revitalization. 

The Tioga Trails Café’ will remain open as usual during construction, as will MANtique Collectibles, an antique and collectible shop which relocated to the building’s first floor earlier this year. Tioga Trails’ hours are Tuesday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

For information or questions, call (607) 687-7195.