Welch Building Redevelopment Ready to Move Forward

Latest action by CCIDA paves the way for creation of 46 new housing units in Westfield

WESTFIELD, N.Y. -- A major redevelopment project involving the C.E. Welch Building in the Village of Westfield is ready to move forward. During its meeting on Nov. 18, the County of Chautauqua Industrial Development Agency (CCIDA) Board of Directors approved amendments to the project description originally authorized for the project 2021. The action paves the way for the developer, 2 Portage, LLC, to begin work on the creation of 46 new housing units in the Village’s downtown, while also developing new commercial rental space.

In December 2021, the CCIDA initially approved PILOT/Tax Lease incentives for adaptive re-use of the four-story, 51,000 square foot structure. Those incentives included real property, sales tax, and mortgage recording tax abatements to assist with renovating the building and creating a mix of residential apartments and commercial tenant space. This week’s action by the CCIDA board amends the project description. Among the changes, 2 Portage, LLC has decided that all units will be leased at market rate with no tenant restrictions on rents or income. This is an update from the previous project description, which noted that some units would be made available to lease as affordable housing units. Additionally, the total project budget was updated to $19.25 million.

“Today’s action by the CCIDA board was more of a formality to update details of this important housing project. The actual amount and terms of the incentives approved four years ago have not changed,” said Mark Geise, Chautauqua County Deputy County Executive for Economic Development and CCIDA CEO. “However, we still needed to make these final adjustments before we could close on the project in order for it to proceed. With today’s changes, a project that has been years in the making is now ready to begin. It’s a very exciting day for the Village, Town, and the County.”

In addition to the initial support provided in late 2021, the CCIDA also approved a $475,000 loan for the project in early 2023, which helped to secure the purchase of the building. The project has also received assistance from Chautauqua County through an Empire State Development (ESD) infrastructure grant and from the Restore NY program and other ESD sources. The project has also applied for $1 million in assistance through the Village’s recently awarded NY Forward grant it received from ESD, although final determination on that funding won’t be known until sometime in the spring of 2026.

The C.E. Welch Building is located in the French Portage Road Historic District, which is both a local and nationally registered Historic District. Built for Dr. Charles E. Welch in 1909, the building represents a significant contribution to the history of architecture and commerce in the village. Most notably, the building housed the office headquarters of the Welch’s Grape Juice Company.

After Welch Foods sold the building to a private developer in 2005, who was not able to proceed with rehabilitation and reuse of the building, it was acquired by the Town of Westfield in 2014. In 2021, the Town issued a Request for Proposals for redevelopment of the Welch Block. A development team headed up by Savarino Co. was awarded Designated Developer status, and subsequently entered into a purchase agreement with the Town.

Once completed, the building will include 46 residential units. In addition, there will be 3,700 square feet of commercial space located in original commercial space at the corner of Portage Road and Main Street. The commercial space will be targeted at a mix of tenants, including a food and beverage/retail operator and other professional service office spaces. The project will create an estimated 70 construction jobs and three post-construction full-time equivalent jobs.

"The team here at Savarino has remained committed to seeing this project move forward and is excited to be working with our multiple partners - including the Village, Town, County, and State - to bring this historic structure back to life. The C.E. Welch Building will soon be adding residents and commercial activity to the corner of South Portage and Main Streets” said Samuel Savarino, Savarino Co. CEO.

“If we want to strengthen and grow the economy in Chautauqua County, we need to be able to provide up-to-date housing units with modern amenities for working professionals,” said Paul “PJ” Wendel, Chautauqua County Executive. “This adaptive, reuse and mixed-use project in Westfield is an example of how we are capitalizing on the rich history of our towns and villages across the county to provide new and attractive housing for our residents. I am excited that 2 Portage, LLC will breathe new life into this iconic building that has been an important part of our local history.”

“One of our primary economic development goals for Chautauqua County is to provide additional, modern housing units in our communities,” added Geise. “Certain professionals and job seekers desire modern, ready-to-live in apartment space located in a downtown walkable community. This project in Westfield, combined with others we are working on in both northern and southern Chautauqua County, show our commitment to making the County an attractive place to live and work for new and prospective members of our workforce.”

With an estimated 95% of funding secured and incentive agreement with the CCIDA now updated and amended, construction is expected to begin in the spring of 2026, with a completion date tentatively set for summer 2027.

About CCIDA - The CCIDA is an economic development organization authorized and empowered by the State of New York to make Chautauqua County a better place to work, live, and visit. It facilitates development by attracting new businesses, while promoting the retention and expansion of existing businesses. Assistance in the form of incentives – tax abatements, low interest loans, and bond financing – enhances the opportunities for job creation and retention by our businesses. For more information visit ChooseCHQ.com.