Schenectady, NY, August 15, 2006 – The Downtown Schenectady Improvement Corporation (DSIC) today announced that three more buildings downtown will be renovated using a combination of private funding and matching grants from the DSIC façade program which is funded by Metroplex. With these additional projects getting underway, the façade program has now helped to restore and improve more than 40 buildings in downtown Schenectady.
Gary Hughes, Chair of the County Legislature’s Economic Development Committee said, “The façade program is one of the best tools we have to continue the renaissance of downtown Schenectady. Each façade project represents a partnership between the private and public sectors. Both are determined to bring new life to our City.”
Mayor Brian U. Stratton said, “My Administration is working closely with DSIC, the County and Metroplex in a unified approach that is unparalleled in Schenectady’s history, and the results are impressive as we continue to witness a rapid turn around in downtown’s fortunes.”
“It’s really very exciting,” said Bob Buccieri, the Executive Director of the DSIC. “When scaffolding goes up around a building, it reflects the energy and commitment made to the downtown district by our property owners working in partnership with the City, County and Metroplex to keep moving Schenectady forward.”
The Katbird Shop, at 425 Liberty Street, is owned by Schenectady native Kathy Fitzmaurice, who came back to her hometown from Chicago. “Downtown Schenectady has really turned around, and I enjoy living and working in such a vibrant urban area,” Ms . Fitzmaurice said. The Katbird Shop is a specialty gift shop, with unique handmade and custom crafted items from around the country. “It’s the kind of shop you expect in an arts community in a major metropolitan area,” explains Fitzmaurice, “but fits in right here in the arts and entertainment district that is growing in downtown Schenectady.”
A cornerstone building downtown will be also be renovated this year with façade funding. The Killeen Building located at the corner of Jay and State Street directly across from Proctors will be painted with work also performed to restore the brick, cornices and windows. The building is owned by Schenectady attorney Rick Killeen and is home to Mr. Killeen’s law offices, Two Spruce Pottery, Ken’s Subs, Inspirations Gift Shop, Raven’s Watch Antiques and Chez Daisie Creperie.
“My family and I have been on Jay Street for nearly forty years,” explains Mr. Killeen, “and it is exciting to see all the work being done to improve the look and value of these old buildings.”
Marcel LaJoy has been a property owner and practicing attorney in downtown Schenectady for over 15 years. After repairing much of the building at 156-158 Barrett Street with his own money, he has received approval for a project that will improve the façade of his building.
Mark DeChiro, Façade Committee Co-Chair for DSIC said, “Smaller projects like Mr. Lajoy’s really help downtown look so much better.”
“Not only do we need to continue to attract dedicated property owners and businesses,” explains Ray Gillen, Chairman of Metroplex, “but we need to assist those currently operating here to keep their properties up to date and with distinctive design components that make this such a unique and diverse downtown.”
Metroplex recently provided an additional $400,000 in funding for the downtown façade program which requires business owners to match Metroplex funding on a one to one basis. Frequently, the private investment doubles or triples the size of the façade funding.
The DSIC accepts and review applications for the façade program on an ongoing basis and commercial property owners may check their eligibility and pick up an application at the DSIC office at 184 Jay Street or by calling 377-9430.