A building known as the heartbeat of Schoharie is set for a revival after nearly a decade on the market.

The Parrott House Inn was built way back in the 1830s, but Tropical Storm Irene washed away much of its luster. 

Irene struck in 2011 and left an unfortunate impact in a beloved community. The Parrot House was no exception, either, recalled Schoharie realtor Ruth Anne Wilkinson.

"Everything I owned was destroyed," Wilkinson said.

Since Irene, Wilkinson has tried to sell the inn; owners have come and gone, three of them began the demolition process, but none of them finished the renovations. Wilkinson still remained positive.

"I live and hope here in this building, despite the look of it," Wilkinson said.

In would come the inn's current owners, Alexandra Von Zehle and Nick Ahmetaj — a couple from Connecticut who were driving through the town and were charmed at their first glance of the building.

“There’s something about the building, there’s something about the town — it just sort of drew us in,” Von Zehle said.

Fate also may have played a role.

"It’s called the Parrott House and my mother’s maiden name is Parrott, spelled the same way. It’s just very, very strange, and my mother said it was just meant to be,” Von Zehle said.

The owners say they have the determination to bring it back to what it once was. 

“We’re going to try to get at least the first floor done first, [then] get the restaurant open, get the coffee shop open, and then work our way up,” Von Zehle said.

Wilkinson could not be happier.

“It gives people something to smile about and look forward to," Wilkinson said.