Some buildings hold history within their walls — echoes of the past blending organically with the present. In downtown Batavia, the Newton House on the corner of Wilson Street and Route 31 is one of those places.

For nearly 150 years, the iconic structure has been a home, a library, a local business hub and a community gathering space. Today, it’s home to Bocaditos Argentine Café, a local restaurant perfectly positioned to carry on the building’s legacy of hospitality and bringing Batavians together. 

Interestingly enough, the building was recently listed for sale. But before considering the future, let’s dig into its fascinating past. 

A house with history

Built in 1878 by Don Carlos (D.C.) and Mary Prindle Newton, the Newton House was a statement of its time. Designed by Chicago architect W.H. Wilcox, the home embraced the Eastlake style — ornate, detailed and crafted with an artisan’s touch. 

From its intricate woodwork to the hand-painted stained glass windows commissioned from a Dutch artist, every inch of the house reflected thoughtfulness and artistry.

D.C. Newton, a Civil War captain and co-owner of the Newton Wagon Company, was a forward thinker. He installed gas lighting throughout the home, a rare luxury in Batavia at the time. 

But while the Newtons left their mark on the town, they left no heirs to carry on their legacy. In 1921, the house formed a new identity as the Batavia Public Library, where it welcomed generations of readers until 1982.

Around that time, the library board auctioned off the property to Batavia businessman Joe Marconi, who purchased it for $125,000. Marconi was quoted in a Beacon-News article as saying, “I play Monopoly. I now own three corners of Wilson Street and Batavia Avenue.”

Marconi, who was also an amateur historian, noted in a 1992 Batavia Republican article that sidewalks around the building collapsed in 1972, revealing underground passageways that have since been filled in to prevent another collapse. 

He believed these tunnels were part of the Underground Railroad system for smuggling slaves to safety. 

A business incubator of sorts

Bocaditos isn’t the first cafe to find success within the cozy confines of the Newton House.

In November 1982, Cafe de Michelle celebrated its grand opening, hosting live music performances during its early months as a draw for visitors. It quickly became a staple, with an everchanging specialized lunch and dinner menu featuring fresh vegetables, quiches, steaks and seafood made personally by owner Michelle Van Hatten.

Cafe de Michelle (like Bocaditos today) was committed to community involvement, hosting recurring events like the Windmill City Craft Show and special programs like the “Great Batavia Train Robbery” event of 1984.

Cafe de Michelle was one of several members of The Victorian Corners of Batavia, a group of local businesses located in the Newton House, Gammon Corner and the Anderson building at the Route 31 and Wilson Street intersection.

Newton House members at the time also included S&W Gifts, The Bare Facts, Electrolysis by Anita and Coffee Drop Shop (which I imagine is the same Coffee Drop Shop that can be found today in the Berry House on 3rd Street in Geneva). 

Then, in September 1985, Documensions — an early concept resembling today’s coworking spaces — opened as a “share an office” facility in the Newton Building to help aspiring entrepreneurs and local businesses get started without having to rent a full office.

“We feel the Newton House is ready to become a center of aggressive, professional business activity,” Documensions director Michael Oskraba said at the time. 

From there, the Newton House remained a professional office building. By 1993, its list of tenants had evolved to include AMAV Industries, Batavia Business Services, Barco Products, R. Bach & Associates and Susan Shirely Ph.D. 

A café with a sense of place

When Juliana Cancelo of Bocaditos Cafe first saw the Newton House space in 2021, she knew it was something special. She and her mother, Silvia Sanchez, set out to create more than just a café — they wanted a place that felt warm, inviting and personal.

“The Newton House felt like a really, really good fit,” Juliana shared. “This building has been many things over the years, and we’re actually sitting in what used to be the children’s section of the library. We still get people coming in saying, ‘I used to sit right here for story time.’”

That sense of being a part of something bigger — that person-place connection — is something Juliana and Silvia have embraced. Rather than stripping the space of its character, they leaned into it, carefully curating a mix of antique and thrifted décor that makes the café feel less like a business and more like a home away from home. 

“I love when people come in and say, ‘I feel like I’m in your home,’” Juliana said. “That’s what we wanted — to create a place where people feel welcome, where they want to stay.”

Carrying the story forward

Bocaditos represents the latest chapter in Newton House’s long, unique history. The building has been lovingly restored, earning accolades for its preservation in recent years. Today, it’s home to not just Bocaditos but a community of small businesses that have breathed new life to the historic space.

For Juliana, it’s more than just a business location. It’s a continuation of the building’s story — one that now includes the scent of freshly baked empanadas, the sweet taste of homemade Argentinian pastries and the hum of conversation as neighbors gather.

“This place has meant so many different things to people over the years,” Juliana said. “And now, it’s a place where people can connect, relax, and create new memories. That’s pretty special.”

Learn more about Bocaditos Argentine Café by visiting their website, checking out their menu or following them on Facebook and Instagram. 

A special thank you to The Batavia Depot Museum for sharing research materials used for this article. The Depot Museum is a great place to access source material and learn about Batavia’s rich history.

📖 Thanks for reading

Bocaditos Café is a sponsor of Tri-Cities Central. This is sponsored content.

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