March 18, 2010, Schenectady, N.Y. – Schenectady County’s Metroplex Development Authority and the Downtown Schenectady Improvement Corporation (DSIC) today announced that nine (9) more buildings in downtown Schenectady will undertake façade improvement projects this spring and summer.  This brings to 101 the total number of building owners that have used the downtown façade program to improve the appearance of their businesses. The façade program is operated by DSIC utilizing funding provided by Metroplex.

“The County is proud of our efforts to redevelop downtown Schenectady,” said Susan E. Savage, Chairwoman of the Schenectady County Legislature.  “These nine projects are key to continuing the momentum that is transforming the appearance of downtown Schenectady and the entire County.”

The nine properties include:

• 214 State Street – Schenectady ARC. One of the largest commercial buildings on Lower State Street, this project will encompass significant improvements to both the front façade along State Street and the rear entrance along Erie Street. This project will help bring the revitalization that is occuring on the Proctors Block to lower State Street.
• 322 State Street – Morgan Building.  This building was badly damaged by fire. The new owners plan to revitalize the unique metal façade of the building which is located just past the rail overpass on State Street heading toward lower State Street.  This project will also help move redevelopment toward lower State.
• 268 State Street – Bangkok Bistro.  One of the most significant buildings in downtown, 268 State Street is located on the corner of Erie Boulevard and State Street.  It is home to Bangkok Bistro. The building was built in 1901 and was known as the Nicholaus Block Building. The renovation of this building will include the creation of residential space on the upper floors using funding provided to the building owners through the NYS Main Street Program.  This project is part of the effort to further development on both lower State Street and Erie Boulevard.
• 411 State Street – Paul Mitchell School (Franklin Street entrance).  The improvements to the rear of 411 State Street will complement improvements to the rear of the new Center City complex and new YMCA.
• 146 Jay Street – Ideal Office Supply. This project represents another improvement to the Jay Street Marketplace.
• 123-127 Jay Street – Jay Street Gaming. Upgrades will take place to the façade of a building that houses one of Jay Street’s newest businesses.
• 28 Jay Street – This office building across from the U.S. Post Office will see improvements to the façade’s entryway and new energy efficient windows.
• 30 Jay Street – This office building will see renovations to the front entry and windows.
• 9 North Broadway – This renovation will improve the aesthetics of a structure that serves as an anchor to North Broadway at Union Street.

Jim Salengo, Executive Director of DSIC, said, “This latest round of façade projects includes some very high profile buildingsthat will dramatically impact the downtown cityscape. I applaud all of these downtown property owners forpartneringwith us on the continued revitalization of our district.”

Ray Gillen, Chair of Metroplex and Commissioner of Economic Development for Schenectady County said, “We continue our strategic investment in downtown through these nine façade matching grants, which help us continue the rapid pace of revitalization we are seeing in Schenectady County.”

The nine projects represent a funding commitment from Metroplex of $230,000, which must be matched on a dollar-for-dollar basis by property owners.  Since the program started, the private sector match has exceeded Metroplex’s contribution by a 2 to 1 margin. A total of 56 full façade renovations and 36 façade mini-grant projects have been completed since the launch of the Downtown Schenectady Façade Improvement Program in 2003.

Companies interested in learning more about the façade program are encouraged to call DSIC at 518-377-9430.