RUMFORD – One of the downtown’s historical gems will be the site of an open house Friday.

Hotel Harris, an ornate, beaux-arts pillared building built in 1906 at the corner of Congress and Hartford streets, was bought by Californian John Roza last fall. He and building manager Gordon Chaisson are inviting local residents; municipal, elderly and veterans leaders; and area business people to check out the work that’s been done in the recently renovated lobby and rental units.

Linda Macgregor, spokeswoman for Roza, said long-term plans are to restore the pride in the building as well as to bring back many of its original features.

“This work is all integral to the renewal of downtown Rumford,” said Macgregor. “We want the hotel’s improvements understood in the community, for the community to have a sense of community pride and ownership.”

She said the long-term plan could include having the hotel become a gathering place socially and architecturally for the community.

Roza hopes to maintain a long-term occupancy rate for the 24 residential units, and to provide overnight and short-term accommodations for travelers and others.

Plans also call for updating the building’s elevator, furnace, roof and windows.

In the very long-term, perhaps with the help of federal tax incentives, he hopes to bring back the classic urns that once sat on the ledge of the building, replace the modern glass doors with original-styled brass ones, and relight the rooftop neon Hotel Harris sign.

“If I did not believe in the potential of this building, I would never have made such a purchase. I have no intention of letting this building go,” stated Roza in a press release.

Visitors on Friday will have a chance to see the changes in the lobby and in many of the rooms that have been redone. Light refreshments will be served.

[email protected]