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Landmark Inn in process of being sold

One of Chester's oldest and most iconic buildings may no longer be on the block.

Sources, who declined to be identified due to ongoing negotiations, have confirmed to the Herald Tribune that Ye Olde Landmark Inn is in the process of being sold to local ownership. The building will not be demolished and sources said more details would be released this weekend as to its future.

According to Randolph County land records, the property is owned by St. Louis-based Chester Real Estate LLC. The records show Chester Real Estate, which owns seven lots between Wall and Ferry streets, bought the building from Old Landmark Inc. for $110,000 in 2007.

The story of the Landmark goes back to 1838, when the stone part of the building was under the ownership of Thomas Mather and believed to be a store or a warehouse at the time.

The second story was added in 1892, becoming an apartment building known as the St. Louis Flats with at least four apartments on the second floor.

The St. Louis Flats remained in operation until December 3, 1945, when the building was sold and it became the Landmark Inn.

The Landmark continued to occasionally change ownership through the next several decades until January 8, 1979, when it was purchased by Dave and Bonnie Wright and Clifford "Doc" Wright after being vacant for several years.

The new owners reopened the business as a bar and restaurant called Ye Olde Landmark Inn. Major renovations were made in 1981 after a tornado damaged the southwest corner of the building, including the tongue and groove ceilings, a brass fireplace and foyer leading to the second floor.

By the mid-1980s, Ye Olde Landmark Inn had become "the party place to be on the Mississippi," with live bands and a DJ three nights a week.

Another round of major renovations took place in 1990, as the second floor became the Captain's Table Restaurant with dining room seating for 90 and private seating for 40. The windows were replaced and window frames were created to match the original woodwork.

In 1998, ownership of Ye Olde Landmark Inn became incorporated as Landmark/Captain's Table Inc. but the corporation was dissolved in 2003.

The building also has a bit of a paranormal history and is said to be haunted, particularly the restaurant. Over the years, previous owners and employees have claimed to have heard footsteps and whispered voices in the building.

The Herald Tribune will have more on this story in the Aug. 16 edition of the newspaper.