By JAMES FINK
jfink@bizjournals.com | 716-541-1611

One of the oldest buildings in Lewiston is headed to the auctioneer's block.

The Buffalo office of Tranzon Auction Properties was retained by KeyBank N.A. to auction the Trafford Mansion at 65 Center St., right in the heart of Lewiston. The former private residence, which has alternately served as a restaurant, pub and hotel, currently is home to the Barton Hill Spa. The spa and the adjoining Barton Hill Hotel are in a financial tug-of-war between owners Edward and Diane Finkbeiner and various lenders.

The 72-room hotel, located at 100 Center St., remains open, as does the spa.

The auction is set for 2 p.m., Dec. 1 on the premises.

"The auction has just been posted, and we are already getting a lot of calls from interested parties," said Michael Foster, who heads up the local Tranzon Auction office.

The mansion, which dates to 1840, has retained much of its architectural integrity, he said.

"This is an opportunity for buyers to own a historic piece of property that has fantastic re-use possibilities as a restaurant, health spa or retail store," Foster said.

The Finkbeiners, according to court documents, owe more than $9 million to CIT Mortgage Services for a mortgage and loans they took out on the Barton Hill Hotel and Spa operation. The hotel has maintained healthy occupancy rates.