You probably assumed it, but now it’s official: Jeremiah’s Tavern is not coming to the intersection of Titus Avenue and Cooper Road in Irondequoit.
Jeremiah’s owner Jeffrey Reddish has sold five properties where the local chain’s fifth pub and a parking lot would have been built: 690 Titus Ave. and 24, 32, 38 and 44 Cooper Road, according to deeds filed with the Monroe County Clerk’s Office.
Reddish’s Irondequoit plans had not been presented to the town when, in late 2022, nonprofit grassroots organization Helping Irondequoit Plan for Progress (HIPP) sought landmark status for 690 Titus, a commercial building with two adjoining structures that formerly housed a florist shop and Cooper Deli. (Single-family homes sit on the other parcels.)
The group had reached out to Reddish several times to ask what he intended to do with 690 Titus, built in 1926 and the focus of a lot of Irondequoit nostalgia, but didn’t get a response.
Frustrated, HIPP chose the historic designation route to compel a “community conversation,” noting that by New York state law, any resident or group may apply to designate a building a landmark, even if they don’t own it.
The organization argued that the building qualified, citing, among other town requirements, its “unique location or singular physical characteristics represents an established and familiar visual feature of the neighborhood.”
Irondequoit’s Historic Preservation Commission agreed and at its Oct. 27, 2022, meeting, voted 5 to 1 to award landmark status. The designation prevents the building’s exterior from being altered in any way without the commission’s OK and prohibits it from being torn down, which would have been necessary for the Jeremiah’s to go up, Reddish’s attorney, Donald “Dan” W. O’Brien Jr. of Woods Oviatt Gilman, revealed at the meeting.
In April 2023, Reddish filed a lawsuit in New York State Supreme Court to have the commission’s decision set aside, arguing it was unlawful because the panel did not explain its reasoning or present supporting evidence.
On Friday, longtime Titus Tavern owner John Giehl said he has spoken to William Boneberg, the new owner of 690 Titus, and expects to sign a five-year lease with him.
He added that his customers are pleased the tavern, which he likened to “Cheers,” will continue. Only, he said, the sitcom bar had only eight or so characters. “We’ve got hundreds.”
Boneberg, who also purchased 24, 32, 38 and 44 Cooper, could not be reached immediately for more information about his plans going forward.
The Democrat and Chronicle also reached out to Kristy Swanson, corporate office manager for Jeremiah’s, but did not hear back.
Reporter Marcia Greenwood covers general assignments. Send story tips to mgreenwo@rocheste.gannett.com. Follow her on X @MarciaGreenwood.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Jeremiah’s Tavern not coming to Irondequoit as owner sells properties
