(Credit: Gordon Woodworth, 2022)
Christian and Melanie Weber, with son Oliver in dad's arms, stand in front of 56 Glen St., after their final walk-through before purchase, March 11, 2022.
Christian and Melanie (Fronhofer) Weber purchased 56 Glen St., one of the oldest buildings in Glens Falls, Friday March 11 for $165,000.
Formerly a blacksmith shop and most recently a bridal shop, the building is thought to have been built in the early 1830s. It is one of few buildings that survived the catastrophic downtown fire of 1864, according to City historical records. It sits on Glen Street's southbound lanes and is the last structure on the right before travelers cross the bridge into South Glens Falls.
Christian owns Common Roots Brewing Company on Route 9 in South Glens Falls with his father, Bert. Melanie is Chief Executive Officer of Fronhofer Design, a design firm in Argyle that designs, manufactures and installs custom equipment for the craft beverage industry.
“We want to bring it back to life,” Melanie told FoothillsBusinessDaily.com at an early-morning final walk-through Friday. “It’s such a special building, too special to have it sit vacant. It has so much potential.”
Christian added: “We love the building. We’re excited!”
The couple said the plan is to first secure the building, repair the roof and replace the doors and windows. Melanie said they aren’t in any rush, and want to fix the building with care.
“We’re hoping something speaks to us when we’re cleaning it up, or that the right person reaches out to us with an idea,” Christian said.
Brian Bronzino bought the 2,500-square-foot building in March 2019 for the same price, $165,000. Bronzino’s business partner Robin Barkenhagen initially planned to put a marijuana dispensary in the historic building, but has since abandoned those plans. Barkenhagen and Bronzino own 42° at 206 Glen St. in Glens Falls.
The city thought of locating its pilot indoor, urban farm inside the building, but that plan has switched to the originally-planned location, above farmacy Restobar on Ridge Street.
Christine Serrano of the Tailored Real Estate Group represented the Webers in the sale. Brian Pepe of DeMarsh Real Estate represented Bronzino.
The building was listed for $184,900. Taxes are put at $7,653 annually.
Disclosure: 42° Tavern is an advertiser with FoothillsBusinessDaily.com.