Rosco DDA purchases building dating to 1880’s

The “Sopscak Buildling” One of Roscommon’s oldest commercial buildings has received a new lease on life with its sale to the Roscommon Downtown Development Authority.

The DDA recently purchased “Sopscak Building” on Lake Street at the railroad tracks for $26,000, DDA Chairman Jim Anderson said. The building is visible in an 1882 photograph of the Roscommon business district, according to Carol Garlo of the Roscommon Area Historical Society. The DDA considered razing the structure, but in view of its historical significance is hoping to have it refurbished, Anderson said.

For now, the DDA has granted Roscommon Historical Model Train Club permission to use the building for model train displays during Roscommon’s Christmas in the Village celebration Dec. 5. The DDA also is soliciting proposals from businesses interested in renovating the building and locating businesses there.

Architect Tom O’Brien, who is working with the DDA on the project, said little structural work would be needed to put the building in shape. Dave Sopscak, whose family opened the Roscommon 5 cent to $1 store in the building in 1950, said the store operated there until 1963, when it moved to

another location.

Larry Sopscak then ran a refrigeration and TV repair business there for a number of years. Previous owners included Spence Chase and W.B. Orcutt, Dave Sopscak said.