Clifton park – couples partner on restoration project

By GLENN GRIFFITH ggriffith@digitalfirstmedia.com @CNWeekly on Twitter

Paul Coons working inside the building that will become the Vischer Ferry General Store

George and Karan Donohue have joined Tom and Louise McManus and Paul and Joanne Coons to rehabilitate the building that formerly housed the Riders Crossing Tack Shop, 357 Riverview Road, Rexford. The mid-19th century structure was badly damaged by a suspicious fire Sept. 11, 2013.

Fearing what might happen if a new owner bought the empty building, Clifton Park native George Donohue called the Coons shortly after the fire. He asked the couple if they would be interested in a partnership to restore the building and return it to its place as a commercial gathering spot for the small riverside community.

The Coons have a history of restoring homes in town. They restored the home directly to the south of the shop and the home they presently live in off Moe Road. Both projects won them awards from the towns Historic Preservation Commission.

Now, they and their private restoration crew are hard at work in another cold building putting in new framing, windows, insulation, wiring, and plumbing for what will eventually be a store with two apartments. The Coons also want to make the building historically accurate but also as environmentally efficient as possible.

We try to buy as much local source wood and green products as we can, Joanne Coons said. Were going to maximize what we can within historic preservation standards.

A tour of the work site showed mid-nineteenth century beams holding up a second floor thats been framed out for a two bedroom apartment. Several stacks of pine planking sat nearby waiting to be measured and nailed into place. A propane heater valiantly tried to provide a bit of heat while the restoration crew went about its work.

These pillars are all different, Paul Coons said, brushing his hand against the buildings wooden front porch pillars. We got the lumber from an Amish saw mill. Well finish them here so they match.

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Clifton park - couples partner on restoration project