Bold start: A historic Horseheads building is being given a fresh, ambitious life, blending heritage with modern hospitality.
A longtime downtown landmark at 114 John St in Horseheads is undergoing a comprehensive transformation led by Gina and Brandon Coon. The 175-year-old structure, which previously housed Rosar’s Bar and Grill for much of its history, is being repurposed to welcome a new restaurant on the ground floor while the upper two floors are being gutted and repurposed for short-term Airbnb lodging.
Origins and vision
The property’s past is layered and storied. Built in the mid-1800s, the building has hosted a variety of enterprises, including a blacksmith shop and later the Rose Carriage Manufacturing Co., with Rosar’s Bar & Grill occupying the space for more than a century. When Rosar’s closed in 2024, the Coons seized the opportunity to reimagine the site as the Rose Carriage Inn, aiming to create a welcoming, multi-use destination on Hanover Square. Gina Coon envisions a boutique experience: a charming small hotel with a first-floor restaurant, where guests can dine and stay in one cohesive environment, potentially drawing a broader wave of new local businesses to the square.
Current progress and plans
Outside changes are already visible. In early February, Keke’s Eats-N-Sweets opened in the former Rosar’s space, quickly building a steady local following for its offerings, according to local supporters. The adjacent storefront, once Mike’s Guns and Ammo, remains vacant, but the owners hint at possibilities: if the restaurant thrives, there’s talk of removing a wall to integrate the gun shop into the dining space. The Coons also own a neighboring empty building used for storage, with the potential to remove it to create outdoor space for the future business mix.
Future lodging and community impact
Beyond the restaurant, the Cofon family plans to convert the upper floors into three short- or long-term apartment units. A third-floor renovation is planned to establish Airbnb lodging—targeting a boutique-hotel vibe with four distinct, beautifully appointed spaces. Gina emphasizes a goal of enhancing the square’s appeal and value by offering a memorable, well-curated stay experience alongside a standout dining option.
Final note and invitation
The Rose Carriage Inn project is a work in progress, driven by a sense of place and a desire to honor the building’s legacy while delivering something fresh and inviting for residents and visitors alike. How do you feel about reviving historic spaces with modern hospitality concepts? Share your thoughts in the comments: should towns prioritize preserving every ancient feature, or embrace bold redevelopment to spark new life and commerce?
