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The owner of The Lantern's location is reportedly in negotiations with a new tenant. The historic eatery closed in April.

The Lantern Owners Seeking New Tenants

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Lantern Bar and Grill owners are looking into the historic eatery's future after it closed in April.

On Monday, Licensing Board approved an alcohol license transfer from previous owner North Street Eats LLC to 449 North RE LLC, a Mill Town Capital company that owns the real estate that includes The Lantern.

The intent is to find another tenant and it was reported that there is potential tenant in negotiations.

"Its role up to this point has been that of landlord and lender to the owner of North Street Eats LLC doing businesses as The Lantern," attorney Michael Macdonald explained on behalf of the applicant.

"There is in the application package a termination agreement, the tenant went out of business back in April, (499 North) and the tenant agreed to a termination agreement pursuant to which the liquor license and the personal property inside of the premises which have previously been sold by (449 North) to the tenant is now all coming back in satisfaction of the debt."

Jeremy Berlin was appointed as the manager. He is a chef with experience in managing Blantyre in Lenox, The Gateways in Lenox, and the now-shuttered Mission Bar and Tapas.

Former owner Bjorn Somlo brought The Lantern back to life in 2019 after the previous owner Mark Papas closed it in 2017. The eatery has been at the corner of North Street and Linden Street since the 1920s.

Somlo cited a decline in business that was exacerbated by the pandemic.



Macdonald pointed out that an additional liquor license transfer would be required if the restaurant were leased or sold. There is no timeline established yet.

"Good luck with that," Chairman Thomas Campoli said. "It's a great spot."

The board also approved a license transfer from J. Allen's Clubhouse Grille to the Rusty Anchor, which is situated on Pontoosuc Lake.  

Rusty Anchor owner Scott Graves would like to expand the offerings of the marina and private club.  With this approval, he will be giving up the former seasonal beer and wine license for a full liquor license.

The establishment will remain the same, operating typically from April to October. Graves applied for the annual license because it was the best opportunity available.

Campoli said he hates to see a waste of an annual license but board member Richard Stockwell said that he would rather the license stay in the city than go "back to Boston," as it was standing dormant for some time.

There was some question if the license must indicate that the Rusty Anchor is a private club, which the board is going to check with the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission on.


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Friday Front Porch Feature: Lincoln Log Home Near Onota

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Are you looking for a Lincoln Log home with beautiful views and plenty of room to roam? Then this is the home for you.

Our Friday Front Porch is a weekly feature spotlighting attractive homes for sale in Berkshire County. This week, we are showcasing 1020 Cascade St.

This 1995 home features three bedrooms and three bathrooms. It is 2,662 square feet on 19.20 acres.

The home's first floor is open and includes hardwood floors, full bath and laundry room, and a large living room with a stone gas fireplace and vaulted ceiling, entertaining lots of natural light. The second floor has a primary bedroom with en suite and two bedrooms and a bath. 

Outside, there's a covered front porch and a large new Trex deck in the back. The house also has an attached two-car garage and a walkout basement, plus a barn and shed.

The home is listed for $975,000.

There will be an open house for this home Saturday, March 28, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

We spoke to Amy Wood with Steepleview Realty, which has the listing.

What do you think makes this property stand out in the current market? 

I think what is unique about this property is that it truly is its own private oasis; from a 2,662 square feet, thermal insulated log home with plenty of natural light and modern amenities, to over 19 private acres with multiple trails and babbling brook. Additionally, the property is ideally located just steps from a 10,000-acre state forest and minutes from Lake Onota — offering trails and water — providing for four-season recreational activities — all within such close proximity.

 What was your first impression when you walked into the home?

A feeling of warmth and comfort. This is a very inviting home with vaulted ceilings and numerous windows allowing for an abundance of natural light; all with a rustic flare and modern updates. It has an open-concept layout on the main level that leads to a large new Trex deck — the perfect scenario for both day-to-day living with the ease for entertaining. The sellers are prideful of their home and the upgrades and their upkeep are reflective of this.

Are there any standout design features or recent renovations?

There are many! As noted before, this is a 1995-built thermal insulated Lincoln Log home; upgrades to the home itself include new Trex deck, security system, bluestone hearth/cultured stone façade with propane fireplace insert, granite vanity tops/counters, new furnace, well pump, garage doors and openers, blow-in insulation-sealed basement, and freshly painted throughout! 

Sellers also installed an EV charging unit and cleared and vapor barriered/graveled the main barn (32x27), which is equipped with both water and electricity. With all the mains taken care of, this is a turnkey home ready for its next owner!

 What kind of buyer would this home be ideal for?

The property has so many possibilities; I could envision a young family who need size and grounds to grow their family to couples or retirees who want to enjoy all the Berkshires have to offer with room to entertainment and host guests — this property has the ability to fit and conform to any lifestyle. Formerly an equine estate, I could easily see horse lovers back as well.

How would you describe the feel or atmosphere of this home?

Both the feel of the home and its surroundings portray an immense feeling of tranquility and serenity.  Whether from inside the home looking out, or outside absorbing the beauty and views in your immediate surroundings — you're truly met with a calming sense of bliss.

You can find out more about this home on its listing here.

*Front Porch Feature brings you an exclusive to some of the houses listed on our real estate page every week. Here we take a bit of a deeper dive into a certain house for sale and ask questions so you don't have to.

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