The Pfeils open an 8,700 s/f Pfeil Hardware in Troy

Pfeil Hardware officially opened for business at 63 Third St. The 8,700 s/f retail space has been vacant since 1989 when Stanley's Department Store closed after 64 years of operation. Appropriately, owners Jeffrey and Deane Pfeil cut through a bright yellow chain with bolt cutters to accomplish the traditional ribbon cutting ceremony. They were assisted by NYS senator Roy McDonald, Rensselaer County executive Kathy Jimino, mayor Harry Tutunjian and store manager Steve Lesnewski. Over the past six months, the Pfeils have completely restored the retail space, which dates back to 1903. "From repairing the plaster on the 17 ft. high ceilings and columns to refinishing the original oak handrail on the mezzanine, we wanted the store to have an updated historic feeling that respects the building's architectural roots while providing an attractive and comfortable retail environment," said Jeff Pfeil. Wood-look vinyl plank flooring, modern "school house" lighting pendants, warm colors and huge historic photographs from the Rensselaer County Historical Society give the space an old hardware store feel. An "urban hardware store" affiliated with the Do It Best buying cooperative, Pfeil Hardware carries a range of hardware; housewares appropriate for college students, apartment dwellers and downtown residents; tools; an extensive line of fasteners; electrical and plumbing supplies; commercial maintenance supplies; gifts; and a large paint department featuring Benjamin Moore Paints, including the Regal line and Aura, Natura and Ben, their new eco-friendly Green Promise products; as well as Do It Best paints. "Our goal is to become known for our friendly and knowledgeable customer service and breadth of products. Guided by our customers' needs, we want to evolve and carry product lines that really serve our market in historic downtown Troy and make the store a destination," said Deane Pfeil. "We've even created Surprise Gifts, a special department that features a variety of housewares and gifts under $50, including Northern Lights Candles made in New York, Caspari paper goods, biodegradable Caldrea cleaning products and lotions, Elegant Baby items, some pet gifts and much more." Drawing upon his 25 years of hardware experience, Lesnewski will manage the store and coordinate a staff of seven associates. Pfeil Hardware occupies the last remaining space to be redeveloped in The Conservatory building on the corner of Third and State Sts. The Pfeils have created 19 apartments on the upper four floors and a basement garage for the residents. Based in Fort Wayne, Ind., Do it Best Corp. is one of the only full-service, U.S.-based, member-owned hardware, lumber and building materials buying cooperatives in the home improvement industry. With annual sales of $2.65 billion, Do it Best Corp. is the second largest co-op in the industry, serving 4,100 member-owned stores in the United States and in 47 countries. According to company literature, "Benjamin Moore & Co., a Berkshire Hathaway company, was founded in 1883 and this past year celebrated its 125th Anniversary. One of the country's leading manufacturers of premium quality residential, commercial and industrial maintenance coatings, it products are distributed through a network of independent paint and decorating retailers located throughout North America."