Schenectady, N.Y., September 17, 2007 -- Metroplex today announced that demolition work will begin this week on the long vacant 40,000 square foot Robinson Furniture Building on lower State Street. Metroplex will complete demolition work this month and then turn a shovel ready site over to a group of investors that plan to construct a mixed-use building on the parcel.
Located at 238-248 State Street, the former Robinson Furniture Building has been vacant for almost 15 years limiting opportunities for growth in the lower State Street corridor of downtown Schenectady. In August of 2006, Metroplex began to study whether the building could be saved despite serious decay including a partially collapsed roof.
Metroplex recently completed asbestos abatement work in the building. During the asbestos work, it became obvious that demolition was the only viable alternative due to very poor and unstable conditions within the building. The City of Schenectady has hired Dan's Hauling of Troy to conduct the demolition work after a competitive bidding process. The demolition work will cost $274,325. The City IDA, administered by Metroplex, is expected to approve funding for the project.
After demolition work is completed, Metroplex will convey the shovel ready site to Schenectady Renaissance, LLC, a group of investors that plan to construct a mixed use commercial/residential building at the site. Every attempt will be made to create a façade that closely resembles the former Robinson Building in compliance with downtown design guidelines.
Metroplex Chairman Ray Gillen said, "We looked at every opportunity to save this building, but in the end, the deterioration was so severe that the only viable option was demolition and new construction at the site. We are hopeful that new construction at the Robinson Furniture Building site will act as a catalyst for development on lower State Street."
Good one MT. Here's what's shovel ready-Metrograft, any statement that comes out of Death Ray's mouth.
This was supposed to be a "retail mecca"-NOTHING. These idiots can't even sell and move a diner. What is his planning education? lol. He was the Nisky Dem chairman that's his planning experience. Nobody says nuthin-nobody cares about paying for this ripoff?
He was the Nisky Dem chairman that's his planning experience.
Are you talking about Gillen? I had no idea!! He was the dem chair in nisky? And now he runs the plex? What were his credentials? I'm shocked! really!
So does that mean that I can become the ceo of Ellis or perhaps the police or fire chief? I've never served in any political anything, and don't have any experience, but perhaps if I support and change from blank to dem, I could be secured a job.....huh?
When the INSANE are running the ASYLUM In individuals, insanity is rare; but in groups, parties, nations and epochs, it is the rule. -- Friedrich Nietzsche
“How fortunate for those in power that people never think.” Adolph Hitler
thank you mr Gilleien for the successes you have brought here and all the good work downtown and here in the town even if stevie T the ego is trying to stop the success.
Logged
Good one MT. Here's what's shovel ready-Metrograft, any statement that comes out of Death Ray's mouth. 
