Caer Kalos

Mike Figureo of Maxim Builders climbs scaffolding to continue painting the façade at 108 Union St. in the historic Stockade District of Schenectady on Wednesday morning.

The Daily Gazette – By Bethany Bump: Grant helps developer revive old Schenectady courthouse

After years of stops and starts, Reza Mahoutchian is a step closer to putting the former Schenectady County Courthouse back to a worthy use.

The grand, pillared structure at 108 Union St. has been vacant for nearly a dozen years. But Mahoutchian, a local engineer, has plans for it to house a health and wellness studio, whole foods and vegetarian eateries, and a teahouse, hair salon and massage parlor.

“This is a magnificent building,” he said. “It’s one of the most prominent old buildings in the county, and it would be a shame to put a service in here that people could not visit. For example, if it was solely apartments or offices it would be closed to the public.”

The 181-year-old, Greek Revival-style building is considered by many in the community to be a significant historical site.

A health and wellness space is lacking in Schenectady County, said Mahoutchian, and residents of the Stockade are frequently drawn to nearby counties for the kinds of services the building could now provide.

“People are very interested, of course, in having the building used and taken care of with a use that’s sustainable and compatible with the neighborhood,” said Schenectady Heritage Foundation Chairwoman Gloria Kishton. “When a building is vacant, it’s not being taken care of.”

For the players involved, 108 Union St. is a remarkable, 51,000-square-foot site.

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ALL credit goes to the Daily Gazette and Bethany Bump for covering our story.  Bits and pieces from the article are included here as highlights.  Thank you!

Metroplex Facade Program Supports Restoration Work at 108 Union Street in Stockade

Schenectady, N.Y., November 28, 2012 — The Schenectady County Metroplex Development Authority announced today that it will provide a $40,000 façade grant toward the $130,000 cost of upgrading the façade at 108 Union Street in the historic Stockade District in downtown Schenectady.

“This is an important building in Schenectady and we are pleased to play a part in its renovation,” said Metroplex Chair Ray Gillen.

The building at 108 Union Street was built in 1831 and was used for many years as a County Courthouse.

Special Thanks to Ray Gillen and the Schenectady Metroplex for your continued support!