Schenectady, N.Y. — Schenectady County’s economic development team today joined with Lori Selden and Mark Young, owners of Mexican Radio Restaurants in Hudson and New York City, to confirm plans for their third New York location.

The owners of Mexican Radio purchased 325 State Street last Friday.  The building which dates back to 1910 once housed the Imperial, a downtown department store and later the Imperial Racing Center, owned and operated by Capital District OTB.

Planning a major renovation of the site, Selden and Young will be investing over $3 million into the building, located at the intersection of Broadway and State Street in the heart of downtown Schenectady’s arts, entertainment and technology district. The new Schenectady location is located on the same block as Proctors and the Bow Tie Cinema.

“We are absolutely thrilled to be moving forward with our plans to bring Mexican Radio to Schenectady,” Selden said. “We are eager to jump in and be a positive part of Schenectady’s phenomenal downtown renaissance.”

“We are proud that Mexican Radio has chosen Downtown Schenectady to open the third restaurant of their thriving business,” said Marty Finn, Chairperson of the Schenectady County Legislature’s Economic Development Committee. “Mexican Radio will become one more reason to make Downtown Schenectady your destination for great food and fantastic entertainment.”

John Signor, President and CEO Capital District Regional Off-Track Betting Corporation, said, “We congratulate Mexican Radio, the City and County on this terrific new business coming into the City of Schenectady.  The Imperial building was just too big for our needs and to know that it is now the home of a new, exciting business in downtown Schenectady is gratifying.  I want to thank Capital OTB Board Member John Della Ratta for his support of this important downtown Schenectady project.”

Repeated award winners for best restaurant in Columbia County, best Mexican restaurant and best margaritas, Mexican Radio excels in creating the fresh, comforting flavors and textures of home-style Mexican cooking.

As co-founder and former President of Columbia County Bounty, Selden is a major advocate for using locally sourced farm products on Mexican Radio’s menus. They plan to utilize Schenectady’s Green Market and other venues to acquire fresh produce and other ingredients whenever possible.

The NY Post said “If there could be a shrine to Mexican food, Mexican Radio would be it!”

Mexican Radio has purchase the building from OTB and will begin renovations following local approvals.  A 2013 opening is planned.

Private bank financing for the $3 million project has been obtained from NBT Bank and the New York Business Development Corporation.

The Schenectady County Metroplex Development Authority will provide $200,000 to prepare the building for renovations.  Metroplex funding will be used to remove asbestos from the building so that renovations can proceed.  Metroplex will also fund improvements to the façade.

Metroplex Chair Ray Gillen said, “Our funding will help prep the building for this major renovation. Metroplex funding is needed to save the former Imperial Building which is over one hundred years old.  325 State is actually comprised of three different buildings that were joined together. In total, this project means the renovation of over 26,000 square feet of space for use as a restaurant and office space.  We are very pleased to have Lori and Mark bring Mexican Radio to Schenectady County.”

Mexican Radio has a tremendous following and is considered to be a dining destination. Both the Hudson and New York City locations draw visitors from a wide geographic area.

The owners have earned an outstanding reputation not only for excellent cuisine, but also as leaders in their respective communities. Mexican Radio supports local farms, creates jobs and promotes the local community.

The 325 State Street renovation project involves a major overhaul of three multi-story buildings on Broadway.  The project calls for replacing the electrical systems, plumbing, mechanicals, roofs and other major building upgrades.

The first and second floors will be converted into a 2-story restaurant with seating on both floors.  There will also be separate private party, meeting and banquet space available, as well as an outdoor dining patio.

The third floor will be available for lease as 8,000 square feet of office or residential space.

The project will add about 30 jobs downtown.

Mexican Radio first opened in Manhattan in 1996. The owners then opened a second location on Warren Street in Hudson in 2003.