V.J. Gautieri Constructors completes Ellicott Court Mall renovation project

Originally built in 1968 by Vito Gautieri for Montgomery Ward, the Ellicott Court building has housed many businesses over its 40 years including Super Duper, Jubilee and Latina's grocery stores. The building has been vacant since 2007 when Latina's Market closed. The anchor tenant is Save-A-Lot, a regional grocery store chain that opened last month after an aggressive 8 week renovation project. The compressed project schedule was met by general contractor, V.J. Gautieri Constructors. President Victor Gautieri and director of project management, David Rowley attained completion of the project on schedule by organizing an aggressive plan with a group of seasoned subcontractors. Seeler Construction, Arctic Refrigeration, Murch Electric, JS Fire Protection and Wischmeyer Plumbing provided the necessary labor working multiple shifts and weekends, to meet the deadline. Save-A-Lot grocery store owner, John Hedlund, praised all of the workers' efforts at the grand opening on December 21. There is currently a total of 40,000 s/f of space on the first floor and 11,500 s/f on the second floor. Save-A-Lot occupies 18,000 s/f of the ground floor. Knowing the specifications and construction details of the building from its original construction in the late '60s, Gautieri can offer to build a 3rd and 4th floor for any future tenant with those needs. This would provide 42,000 s/f of potential space remaining in the building. Currently, the 22,000 s/f remaining space on the first floor is being marketed to retailers. A study recently conducted by the City of Batavia has highlighted $20 million being spent annually by residents of Batavia and Genesee County at retailers outside of the area. Property manager Valerie Gautieri Tidwell and the Gautieri family, sees this as a great opportunity for new retail stores in downtown Batavia. The community needs and has the money to spend, ensuring a new retailers' success. Save-A-Lot projects 5,000 people per week will visit its store that would benefit the other tenants. With over 55 years of experience, VJ Gautieri Constructors has the ability to assist tenants with everything from the layout and construction of the space, to advice on funding available in the form of grants or loans from the city, state or the Business Improvement District organization. Gautieri is a lifelong resident of Genesee County and has operated his business in Batavia since 1954. His vision is to transform the property into a destination for people to bring their families to Batavia to shop, dine, socialize and be entertained. His development and construction experience will be of great benefit to any new or expanding business.