Franklin Street work nears completion

WATKINS GLEN—The facade at 313 N. Franklin St. is almost like new, after a fire gutted the building a year ago.
At this point, the only remaining work on the store areas include finishing touches. Two stores and the above apartments were lost in that fire. However, over the summer, workers have been rebuilding.
“Boards were up over the windows so no one knew what was going on,” said building owner Jim Guild. “They were working like beavers.”
Now, two businesses are planning to move in and be fully open by the end of this month:Wags to Riches and Finger Lakes Fibers Yarn Store.
First will be Wags to Riches Thrift Boutique, owned by the Schuyler County Humane Society. Guild said the thrift store plans to move in fully Oct. 17. This will be the third location for Wags to Riches.
Guild said the store’s original Franklin Street location was flooded out. Right now the store is located across Route 14 from the Harbor Hotel. However, Guild said Wags to Riches outgrew the space, which is even bigger than the first location.
The new location, at 313 N. Franklin St., will have about 3,000 square feet of showroom. Guild said the space was specifically designed for Wags to Riches, including more storage space, a laundry room, and areas to sort out the clothes and items.
For Finger Lakes Fibers, two-thirds of the space will be devoted to retail, and one-third for consultations. Guild said both businesses approached him first about filling the space. He added many businesses asked him about space. Guild explained he originally asked the previous 313 N. Franklin St. businesses, but both declined.
A ribbon cutting is planned Thursday, Oct. 28, to celebrate the stores. Guild said he next wants to work on luxury apartments in the upstairs.