Fort Orange General Store Coming Downtown
Exciting news for fans of the Fort Orange General Store - it's moving Downtown.
Now owned by Schuyler Bull, the new home of the store will be the 2,000 SF, first-floor retail space of the Argus Building at 412 Broadway, across from the SUNY Administration building. The property was completely renovated in 2014 to include 40 apartments on the upper floors and retail space on the ground level. This location is just a short distance from the site of the original Fort Orange that was built by the Dutch West India Company in 1624.
The business will continue selling many locally made products, handmade soaps and lotions, candles, jewelry, stationery, and kitchen and barware, while offering an even larger selection of home décor, accessories, men’s specialty products, and Albany-area themed objects. A series of regular events and workshops are planned for the future space, as well.
“In moving to a larger space, we have the opportunity to host a variety of events that will connect our customers and makers, serve the local community, and also tell the incredible history of our city,” states Mr. Bull. “Downtown had been the retail epicenter of Albany through the mid-1900s and it’s my hope to revive that shopping experience through the Fort Orange General Store.”
The growth in residential population in Downtown, as well as the influx in visitors from the opening of the Albany Capital Center and additional investments being made at the Times Union Center arena, played a large part in the decision to move the store to the Argus Building.
“The Fort Orange General Store is an exciting addition, serving as a destination in Albany’s newest neighborhood and providing high quality goods that today’s Downtown residents and convention goers desire,” states Georgette Steffens, executive director of the Downtown Albany Business Improvement District. “Investment like this is a proven economic driver, and Schuyler is in great company as he joins a District of world-class dining, arts, entertainment, and shopping.”
For more information and updates on the construction progress, visit www.fortorangegeneralstore.com, or follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
