Joe Petrocelli

Builder Joe Petrocelli says he’d like to use the Howell House to add five hotel suites a spa and salon to his existing hotel property, which has 20 rooms and a high-end restaurant.

Following widespread backlash to a developer's plans to raze a dilapidated home in Riverhead's downtown historic district, developer Joe Petrocelli has backed away from talk of demolition and has decided instead to restore the 112-year-old home.

Taste the East End's light, airy interior simultaneously evokes country charm and city chic. That was by design, said Alexandra Bussi, who designed the interior and runs the shop.

Historic 19th century home, in extreme disrepair following years of neglect by the Town of Riverhead, will been sold to developer Joseph Petrocelli for $150,000.