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For Sale: 1000 Islands Skydeck

Story Published: May 3, 2012 at 4:37 PM EDT

Story Updated: May 3, 2012 at 6:44 PM EDT

It dominates the landscape at the north end of the Thousand Islands Bridge.

For the past 47 years, its view from 400 feet up has enthralled visitors from all over.

"Oh, it's pretty. This is the first time I've been here," said Henry Vo of Watertown.

Now the 1000 Islands Skydeck is up for sale.

Leonard Stratford of Hill Island, Ontario, has owned it and its view for the past 29 years.

It's a view that on a clear day sweeps from the Ogdensburg-Prescott Bridge to Tug Hill and points beyond.

Now Stratford plans to retire after accumulating nearly three decades worth of high altitude stories.

"I've had people come up and stand in the elevator door and wouldn't go any further," he said.

The flag at the top has to be replaced twice a year.

One year it was nearly three.

"Put a brand new, $250 flag up and I was halfway up the stairs and this guy was coming down with it - tried to steal the flag," said Stratford.

The property is about ten acres, all told, and includes the gift shop, the currency exchange and several other buildings.

The price tag starts at $2.5 million, but Stratford might let it go a little cheaper because he has things to do.

"I'd like to do a little fishing," he said.

Watching all that water for so many years, who can blame him?

On the Web
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
, Watertown, NY

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