(Submitted photo)

SHERBURNE – With a budget of $3.5 million invested in the Save The Sherburne Inn Restoration Project, officials said they've moved on to their second phase, renovating the interior of the building in hopes that the building will be a community gathering place and economic driver.

Save The Sherburne Inn Restoration Project, Inc. (SSIRP), has announced that McPherson Builders of Ithaca has been hired as the general contractor for phase two restoration of The Sherburne Inn, which will include interior work on the century-old building.

According to SSIRP President Kathleen Yasas, work on the second phase began on August 7, and will include restoration of the first floor and sections of the basement.

Yasas said SSIRP bought the Sherburne Inn in 2013, and began construction on the exterior of the building in 2015.

"Since the building originally opened, it's been the place that everyone locally goes to for memorable experiences," she said. "People not just from Sherburne, but also from all over the place have expressed their interest in keeping this historic building alive and have provided their support."