The Sullivans, Lock & Key and the elected officials pose with a picture of what Lakeside Inn looks to become.
Reminder Publishing photos by Peter Tuohy
WILBRAHAM — The next steps in the renovation of Wilbraham’s Lakeside Inn were revealed by John and Joe Sullivan on Dec. 23 with the announcement of a partnership with Lock & Key Realty, represented by Marc Murphy, Jordan Healy and Michael Rodgers.
Lakeside Inn is located at 2589 Boston Road and was built in the 1940s as an inn and restaurant, also allowing guests to enjoy Nine Mile Pond. The Sullivans purchased the property in August for $800,000 and revealed plans to bring it back to its original use, a 15-room “boutique hotel” with a restaurant seated for 100 guests with waterfront dining accommodations.
“We partnered up with a group that I’m really excited about,” Sullivan said. “They have a wealth of knowledge and experience that compliments ours … I’ve never felt so seriously integrated with a group before than I have here.”
Sullivan said Lock & Key are next level developers and will be “major assets for them and will make the project work” before calling up Rodgers to speak, who said it’s been an excellent partnership so far.
“The Sullivan group has been leaders in hospitality in the region for a long time, Lock & Key has been the leader in real estate and redevelopment for a long time,” Rodgers said. “We are really excited for the opportunity to bring back this historic landmark in Wilbraham with a moderate twist. Great things are coming.”
State Sen. Jake Oliveira and state Reps. Brian Ashe and Angelo Puppolo were in attendance. Oliveira said he has plenty of memories of the location from when he was a kid and the view transforms Boston Road into an oasis. He said when he heard the Sullivans would be doing renovations, he knew it would be an incredible place.
“You have chosen excellent partners to partner with for this project,” Oliveira said. “I’m looking forward to coming here as a patron. I am looking forward to possibly having an event here for one of my campaigns, so open up quickly.”
He added that the attendance of Michael Squindo, Marc Ducey and Sue Bunnell from the Wilbraham Select Board is a testament to the support the Sullivans have from the Wilbraham community.
“I think that shows how invested the Wilbraham community is in making sure this business, once it gets off its feet, is successful,” Oliveira said.
Sullivan acknowledged the presence of both the Select Board and the Planning Board, who allegedly cheered when the renovation plans became public. He said the team is an open book and knows the value of their partners.
“The town is our partner,” Sullivan said. “We can’t move without them, so we need you more than you need us.”
Ashe was called to speak and said he’s worked with the Sullivans for a long time and appreciates everything they do and Lock & Key for signing on. Ashe said in his line of work, he meets a lot of business owners, but it isn’t often you get to be friends with them as well.
“Joe and John have done so much for the local area, it’s phenomenal,” Ashe said. “You keep going and going, you keep growing.”
Ashe said that as a lifelong Western Massachusetts resident, he is grateful for the work the Sullivans put in to redevelop the area.
Puppolo spoke last and joked with Sullivan about a kayak race championship that has yet to happen, but now they have a new body of water to do it on.
“This property here is pristine, I don’t know why it hasn’t been redeveloped,” Puppolo said. “There have been so many different uses over the years, nothing really caught on. I think this is going to catch on. They have a knack at doing that.”
Puppolo said it is a huge investment, but the Sullivans don’t cut corners and go top notch.
“I’m very pleased the Sullivans are investing in this,” Puppolo said. “It’s really gonna transform this area, this property and this entire region.”
