The Renaissance of Route 9 Roadside Motels?

The Olympic Pool at the Wayfarer

Two iconic Schroon Lake roadside motels -- which at one time did a thriving business -- have recently been purchased and after some remodeling will be soon be open for business, Schroon Laker has learned.

The Wayfarer Motel, right next to Witherbee’s Carriage House and the Hermitage Motel, about a mile north of the town center, had been in foreclosure and on the market for several years.  Realtor Gary Glebus told Schroon Laker the purchaser was Michael McDonald, a Capital Area businessman.

Glebus confirmed McDonald, who owns a contracting business, planned to renovate both properties.  At one time McDonald owned the Hermitage Motel.

The Hermitage Motel

The Wayfarer Motel, with 9 motel units, an Olympic size swimming pool, and a five bedroom home with lakeviews and a two car garage, was listed for sale at $129,000. The Hermitage Motel, listed for $89,000, features 8 units – two which had been recently upgraded – as well as 4 efficiency units with kitchens . The property also features a playground, an in-ground pool and an office with living quarters.

Glebus wouldn’t comment on the final sales prices, but a source familiar with the deal told Schroon Laker both properties went for under asking.