TOWN OF OSWEGATCHIE, N.Y. (WWNY) – A nonprofit organization that provides a variety of medical services to people in the North Country is entering into a for-profit venture, purchasing a prominent piece of property along the St. Lawrence River near Ogdensburg.

In the town of Oswegatchie, Lou Williams and his wife Claire have owned Gran View for 45 years. Their 14-acre property on Route 37 along the St. Lawrence is a venue for weddings, birthdays and more.

“There is a lot going on in the resorts. We are more of a quieter place, more of an oasis in a hectic world,” said Lou Williams.

It has been in the family for 79 years. That’s changing since United Helpers bought the property earlier this week for $3.89 million. It includes the inn, restaurant and Windjammer Lodge.

It is United Helpers’ first project in the hospitality industry.

“This is an excellent opportunity to continue serving our community,” said Jordan Downing-Duke, assistant director of corporate services at United Helpers.

In the summer, Gran View employs almost 50 people. Under the new ownership, no one will lose their job.

United Helpers officials say this new for-profit venture will help other nonprofits in the north country, such as the independent senior living center in Canton.

“We strategically invest in for-profit companies that support our community services,” Downing-Duke said.

Although ownership changes, the experience remains the same, according to Williams.

“I really feel like they want to continue the legacy that Claire and I built,” he said.

“It will remain the Gran View that our community knows under the new ownership,” Downing-Duke said.

Williams isn’t ready to say goodbye yet. He will be helping United Helpers make the transition smooth over the next year.

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