Progress moves along at Garrett building

PENN YAN—A construction project is slowly transforming the appearance of the former Garrett Winery building on Liberty Street in Penn Yan. New windows are in place and part of the southern end of the building has been removed as part of a $690,000 project.
Owner Vinnie Rosato spoke about the project recently. All new electric and a new elevator are part of the current work. In addition, Rosato said work on the roof and rebuilding of the back portion of the building next to the Keuka Lake Outlet will be done by July 1. The facade will be faced with stone at the lower level and stucco on the rest of the structure.
Once this part of the project is finished, Rosato will lease and build to suit. He expects to have a restaurant and offices in the building. Rosato said he has a couple of prospects who have expressed interest in establishing a restaurant in the building. Two hundred fifty thousand dollars has been earmarked for this project. Parking will be available next to the structure.
A portion of the project is being funded through the $2.5 million Restore New York program of Empire State Development. Two other nearby buildings on Water Street are also participants in the Restore New York program. The program requires participants to complete their project before reimbursement is issued.
Rosato said he decided on the project because he saw the potential of the building. In addition, he didn’t want the building to deteriorate more. Now, the nearly century-old building will have a new lease on life in the heart of the village.