Author Archives: Mike

#DowntownWorks For Key Capture Energy

Dan Fitzgerald co-founded the start-up company Key Capture Energy, an independent developer of utility-scale energy battery storage projects, in Houston, Texas in 2016. It was, at the time, a natural fit as Texas has long been known as the nation’s energy capital. But for Fitzgerald, a lifelong New York resident and UAlbany graduate, the idea […]

Back To Business: Capitol District Supply

Selling plumbing, heating, kitchen and bath supplies and fixtures is a very hands-on process. Contractors need to come and pick up their orders, residential customers need to come into the showroom to consult with designers and select their preferred products – from cabinets and sinks to toilets, tubs and showers. At least, that’s how it […]

Back To Business: Irie Vybez

Shaun Freeman believes that to be a successful entrepreneur “you have to get uncomfortable” in order to remain sharp and innovative. But the discomfort and upheaval that resulted from the early months of the coronavirus pandemic last year was  more than even the co-founder and owner of the popular Central Avenue Jamaican restaurant Irie Vybez […]

Revitalization of 1.62-Acre Midtown Western Avenue Site To Bring New Energy And Opportunities To Pine Hills Neighborhood

$27.3 million investment to create 97 apartment units, generate a $33.6 million economic impact and boost revenue to local taxing jurisdictions View the announcement’s press release here Complementing investment surrounding the University at Albany’s downtown campus and supporting new mixed-use development opportunities, a $27.3 million investment into a 1.62-acre site located at the intersection of […]

With ‘Downtown on the Cusp of A New Era’ Brown & Weinraub Expands Into New 76 N. Pearl St. Office Space

#DowntownWorks     A combined love of downtown and all it has to offer plus the proximity to the state Capitol ultimately sealed the deal.    David Weinraub is a self-described “city person.”   “I’m not a corporate park person,” the veteran Albany lobbyist said. “I don’t like antiseptic. I don’t want to hear the […]

Back To Business: Barks On Lark

This time last year, Cara Bronner was embarking on a new phase of her career as an educator after leaving a job as a fourth-grade teacher and accepting a new post as a curriculum specialist at BOCES. When the COVID crisis hit, BOCES lost funding and as a result Bronner lost her new position. And […]

Barks On Lark Pet Boutique Opens On Lark Street

Owners Cara and Will Bronner will focus on supplying ethical products and promoting animal adoption Barks on Lark, a pet boutique with a focus on supplying ethical products and promoting animal adoption, was formally welcomed to 272 Lark Street with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Wednesday.  “Lark Street is the perfect location for what we […]

Don’t Make Any Rash Decisions: The Need For The Office Will Still Be There Well Into The Future

#DowntownWorks | Don’t Accidentally Put This Advice On Mute Eric Simonds believes in the office.   Amid a wide array of predictions about how the pandemic will change the way we work, Simonds, who has spent nearly two decades in commercial real estate, the last 10 with CBRE-Albany, is convinced that telecommuting 100 percent of […]

Introducing #DowntownWorks Updates

The many companies occupying downtown Albany offices, and their talent, are innovative and resilient. As more return to the office, Capitalize Albany Corporation and the Downtown Albany BID are gathering insights from industry experts to support office occupiers in making informed decisions. And in speaking with local businesses we’re also learning more about upcoming plans and […]

Back To Business: Dove + Deer And Rosanna’s

Brianne Baggetta did not intend to open a restaurant at the height of the coronavirus pandemic. Her initial plan, when purchasing the Center Square mainstay Bongiorno’s Restaurant at 23 Dove St. was to shut down for a brief renovation and reimagining and then reopen in the fall of 2019. Baggetta’s first restaurant project – Dove […]