La Grange Inn 'Endangered'

La Grange Inn, once described as West Islip's "crown jewel," is in danger, according to the Society for the Preservation of Long Island Antiquities.

The structure, which dates back to the mid-1700's, earned a spot on SPLIA's Endangered Historic Places list due to neglect in recent years. "Vacant since 2010 with mechanical systems turned off in 2011, the building is threatened by steady decline," the organization said in a description of the property.

The proposal to construct a CVS on the site currently awaits ruling from Islip town officials. The project would include the restoration of the original La Grange structure, which would be relocated on the lot and possibly used as office space.

The plan has been met with mixed reactions from residents.

SPLIA advocates a project "that would include restoration that is sensitive to the existing historic fabric; a reuse that maintains historic design features and fabric to the greatest extent possible, and site planning that recognizes the building’s location on the corner as a contributing feature."

A Facebook group and online petition to "save" La Grange are among the grassroots efforts by locals to preserve the structure, although CVS is the only company to come through with an official proposal for the site in several years.

Despite the efforts of local civic groups, La Grange Inn is not listed on the National Register of Historic Places.