A dream from the past.... a vision for the future

Story & Photos by
Walter Sprague
Art and Culture Reporter
 
 
When Pam and Chris Gualtieri bought the Antlers Hotel from Heidi Larson in March 2019, a vision of what could be was quickly to become a reality. Pam had been looking at the building for quite some time, and her creative mind had latched onto something she considered beautiful and desirable for Newcastle. Envisioning a location with multiple businesses, shopping, dining and a safe, fun place locally, Pam wants to see dollars remain in the community. She wants to see enterprises operate and succeed together. Part of her goal is to see this happen, while providing convenience and variety to shoppers. The Antlers promises to help in this endeavor, both for its historical draw, as well as its convenient location.
Officially reopened on June 14, 2019, the renovation of the Antlers was begun by the Gualtieris, starting with the main floor. Pam and Chris opened a sandwich shop called Uncle Vito’s, an old-fashioned ice cream and soda fountain called Boopa’s, a bakery called Hannah’s Heavenly Treats and Arianna’s BnB.
“We wanted to name our businesses after family,” Pam said. She felt that adding that personal touch creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. “Besides, this is also supposed to be fun.”
For instance, Uncle Vito’s Deli takes its name from Chris. Growing up, he and some of his friends started giving nicknames to each other. Being Italian, they thought it would be fun to base the nicknames on the Godfather movies. And Chris became Vito. Even the menu reflects aspects of “The Godfather,” and the names of sandwiches have fun with the Italian heritage. From the list, you can order a sandwich called the MeataBalla, The Clemenza, Frankie The Grumbler or, if you’re in a particularly funny mood, the Fugheddaboutit (forget about it). 
“We wanted to have lots of fun with this” Chris says, “And incorporating these names just seemed to work.”
Other family names used so far are Boopa’s, the nickname of Pam’s grandma; Arianna’s BnB, named after her granddaughter; and Hanna’s Heavenly Treats, after her daughter.
But the plans for the Antlers haven’t stopped with the main floor. Upstairs construction is underway to open up much more. With the same care shown in preserving the flair and antiquity of the original building, and adding some individual touches, Pam sees the second floor coming together wonderfully. She wants to preserve the moldings, the banister, the doors, even the dumbwaiter. Pam also sees exciting decor as part of the charm. Some of the rooms, originally hotel rooms, are going to be available for local businesses to lease. Some people have already picked out a place for their future endeavors. There is a large room that, when finished, is to be a restaurant for fine dining. It will be open a couple of nights a week and by reservation only. Chris wants to name the restaurant Antlers Upstairs. Pam wants Espy’s.
“Espy’s will win.” Pam said. “Besides, the name Espy’s would look cool on a neon sign.”
 Next door to that will be a lounge where people can relax and have a drink while waiting for their table.
But the central area of the second floor will be a strip-mall type of shopping experience. There, you will be able to shop for elegant home décor. There will also be men’s and women’s clothing stores. 
“I’m hoping to put in stores to sell toys and sporting goods as well,” Pam says. “It’s ambitious, but that’s what I’ve envisioned for quite a while.”
At the moment, the construction is in the demolition phase. Pam said that she had crews out to make sure there is no mold and no asbestos in the building. With that part of the project done, she is hoping to get the materials and contractors lined up soon.
“I had everything put together when we remodeled the Pizza Barn,” Pam said. “While it was a tight schedule, the contractors were able to get everything done within a few weeks. I’m hoping to have the same happen to the second floor here.”
Part of the charm for Pam comes from some of the personal oddities that are already on display in Boopa’s or Vito’s. Some of the objects are interesting and different, such as the ice-cream cone statue. But some, like the shark, hold a personal interest and spark memories for her that she finds wonderful. 
“A place we use to eat at in Illinois had a shark head,” she said, “It had a sculpted foot coming out of the mouth. I thought it was funny.”
While on an auction-buying trip, she spotted the shark, which now hangs from the ceiling of Boopa’s. It reminded her of the wonderful times she had years ago, and she just had to have it.
“It’s Chris’ fault,” Pam continued, “He took me to that auction.”
One of the things the Gualtieris want to keep alive is the history.  Pam said that the Antlers was the first brick building in Newcastle. It was built in 1889.
“All the bricks are handmade,” she pointed out, as she indicated a few bricks that still have hand and finger indentations on them. “I want to keep that visible.” 
The same ideas are in her head for the second floor. Pam said she wants to keep the windows above the doors, the old casings, even some of the furniture. Some of the items will need repair, but she is determined to preserve and cherish the building’s history.
But the future also holds high importance to her. Starting in October 2019, and moving forward for at least five years, she hopes to host Frightmare on Main Street. 
“The basement of the hotel was a perfect spot for the haunted house,” Pam said, “And the group raised food and money for Totes for Hope and charitable organizations.” 
These efforts are vital to her, and she wants to partner with other businesses that want to help  people with some good times while filling the needs of others.
“It’s bringing fun for the community and helps those who need it,” she said.
All in all, the Gualtieris hope to have seven businesses of their own in the building and lease out space for several others. It makes Chris wonder what other projects Pam has brewing in her head.