User:HistoryofLansing/sandbox

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The Central Exchange Hotel (currently known as Rogues Harbor Inn) was the first brick structure built in Lansing. Construction began in 1830, when General D.D. Minier secured the services of Lemuel Kelsey of Dryden, and apprentice carpenter, Nelson Morgan of Lansing, to erect this three story building. The main object of the building was to become a rooming house, a store and living quarters.

At a cost of $40,000, General D.D. Minier situated the building on family land purchased from Nicholas Van Rensselaer (Military Lot #87 of the Central New York Military Tract). The Central Exchange Hotel received its name because it was on the road between Ithaca, and Auburn and stage coaches would stop there to exchange horses.

The three story building was largely colonial, having wooden pillars across the front and metal balconies built across each story on the north and west sides. The first floor contained living rooms, a grill and bar with a huge hall extending the length of the structure through the center. The second floor contained sleeping rooms and the third, the famous ballroom. Connecting all the floors was a spiral stairway, which was considered a unique piece of workmanship for the time.

Above this was the attic which was originally lighted by two oval leaded glass windows at either end. Here, were two huge zinc lined cisterns expertly caulked and built of whitewood planks. One was for drinking water pumped by a windmill and piped throughout the building and the other was to catch the soft water from the roof used for the kitchen.

Seven years after completion, General D.D. Minier passed away and his remains were placed in the Asbury Cemetery.