Kittanning's Meredith Inn combines history, good food

What’s old is new again in Kittanning.

The Meredith Inn, a restaurant, taproom and private event venue housed in what was an historic former residence and later, a YMCA facility, opened in June.

Located at 138 N. Water St., patrons experience dining in a Victorian-themed turn-of-the-century Kittanning residence.

Co-owner and Kittanning native Lee Walker began her mission to save the historic home when she heard it was slated for demolition after she and her husband purchased the YMCA in 2013.

“I didn’t want it to be a parking lot,” Walker said. “My husband bought the YMCA property to add parking options for his customers and I would not allow him to tear down this house. Kittanning has lost so many beautiful homes and buildings to demolition for building new businesses or parking lots. The Y was such a big part of everyone’s lives in Kittanning and the surrounding communities, I wanted to preserve this part of all of our histories.”

Walker embarked on an almost three-year restoration process, utilizing local craftsmen and materials whenever possible.

Former Y members can now park and walk where they once swam.

The Y’s swimming pool was filled in and paved over to make way for a parking lot located behind the restaurant.

Walker gained inspiration from watching home decorating shows on television and commissioned Williams Stained Glass Studio to produce an exact replica of the large stained glass window that was removed and relocated as part of the YMCA sale.

She choose jewel tone colors in red and yellow for the dining rooms, which include a parlor.

Five original fireplaces were completely restored, Walker said.

“They’re very cozy and I wanted to keep the house in the period of 1905,” she said. “I want customers to get a little feel of what it was like in the Victorian era when the Meredith family lived here.”

William Boling Meredith, a prominent Kittanning resident, former Pennsylvania senator and life-long Freemason, built the home in 1905.

Offering lunch and dinner, The Meredith Inn doesn’t have lodging options. Instead, it serves up classic American fare with unique twists from head chef Nicole Ellis.

Ellis trained at the culinary department at Indiana University of Pennsylvania and hails from Seattle.

“I’m classically trained in French cuisine, but I like to bring in my own twists, which is different seafood and Asian cuisine with a focus on veggies,” Ellis says.

Although the building boasts a grand feel, General Manager Nicole Walker says customers shouldn’t expect a stuffy atmosphere.

“We are not ‘fine dining.’ There’s no dress code,” Nicole Walker says. “There is something for everyone, including kids. Our Captain Crunch chicken tenders even give kids a unique experience.”

Steaks and seafood are specialties, with fresh fish flown in from across the globe and an in-house smoker used for meats, veggies and ribs.

The Senator’s Taproom, separate from the two main dining rooms, offers 12 rotating beers and ciders.

Nicole Walker says the feedback from customers has been one of gratitude.

“The building was a YMCA for so long — the community is extremely appreciative that the building was saved and restored. The community needed this — somewhere to make nice memories that doesn’t require a drive to the city.”