The Lakeside Inn on Boston Road in Wilbraham in 1990.
Republican file photo
WILBRAHAM — Two local business owners are redeveloping a property on Boston Road, bringing back its original purpose as a place for people to stay and dine along Nine Mile Pond.
The property at 2589 Boston Rd., was known as the Lakeside Inn. Built in the 1940s as an inn and restaurant, its shoreline allowed guests to recreate on the pond. Over the years, the building changed hands and became The Anchor House restaurant. In recent years, it has been used as office space for Friendly Ride Transportation.
On Aug. 15, Joe Sullivan and John “Sully” Sullivan purchased the property for $800,000. The Sullivans, who are unrelated business partners, own several ventures in the area, including Nathan Bill’s Bar & Restaurant, Sullivan’s Allen Package Store and The Boulevard Tavern & Grill, all in Springfield. They also own East Village Tavern in East Longmeadow.
In a video posted to social media, the Sullivans announced that the property will be renovated into a 15-room “boutique hotel” and will include a “high-end, casual” restaurant seating 100 guests. The restaurant will include outdoor dining with views of the water, just as it did in its heyday. Joe explained that the restaurant will be leased, and while he did not identify the tenant, he said it was “a local chef” who “everyone knows and loves.” The project, designed by architectural firm Hervieux Design, is expected to open in 2026.
According to the plans, the main floor will contain the restaurant, kitchen, restrooms, an office and a single accessible guest room. Eight guest rooms are on the second floor and another six are on the basement level, along with restaurant storage.
The building sits toward the front of the 2.3-acre property and has a 42-space parking area along Route 20. Behind the building is a lawn, featuring a gazebo, and trees along the bank of Nine Mile Pond. There are three other structures on the property, including two residences that will be used as long-term rentals, according to paperwork filed with the Registry of Deeds.
