Schenectady, N.Y., October 19, 2006 –Metroplex today joined with Senator Hugh T. Farley, local officials and the Galesi Group to announce plans to renovate 409 State Street. The Galesi Group has purchased the building and will renovate it for office space. The two story building is located directly across the street from the new cinema/office complex also being developed by the Galesi Group and Metroplex.
The building at 409 State Street formerly housed a D&K Dollar Store and has been vacant since D&K closed most of its stores in the Northeastern United States last year.
The State Commission on Quality of Care and Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities plans to occupy the first floor. The Commission currently occupies the adjoining building at 401 State Street. The Commission is expanding and local officials were concerned that if the agency outgrew 401 State Street with no room for expansion, that the agency might leave downtown.
Metroplex has been working with Senator Farley’s office, the State Office of General Services and the Galesi Group to house the expansion in the adjoining 409 State Street for more than a year. The Commission will lease approximately 8,000 square feet of space in the first floor of 409 State Street.
Senator Hugh T. Farley said, “While some in Schenectady said that the expansion of the Commission might result in this agency leaving our community, I was pleased to work with Metroplex, the Governor’s Office and OGS to insure that not only will it stay, it will grow by expanding into a second building.”
The renovation of 409 State to handle expansion needs of the Commission will retain 100 jobs in downtown. Metroplex and the Galesi Group are working together to market the second floor space.
Gary Hughes, Chair of the County Legislature’s Committee on Economic Development said, “This project keeps over 100 good jobs downtown and transforms a vacant building into another great addition to the Proctors Block. This is another example of the great team effort now taking place to bring jobs and investment to Schenectady County.”
Metroplex is providing a $25,000 grant toward the cost of purchasing 409 State and a $70,000 façade grant through the Downtown Schenectady Improvement Corporation.
The Galesi Group will invest more than $1 million in renovations at 409 State Street. The building will feature a beautiful new façade in keeping with other restored buildings on the Proctors Block. The City Planning Commission approved the façade plan at its meeting on October 18th.
Renovations will get underway later this year with occupancy expected in the first quarter of 2007.
The project architect is Stracher Roth Gilmore of Schenectady and the construction manager is BCI.
Metroplex Chair Ray Gillen said, “We appreciate Senator Farley’s support and the strong team effort by the County, City and Metroplex to keep these jobs downtown. This expansion results in the transformation of a vacant building and increased jobs and tax base in Schenectady County.”