Fresh opportunities for Elm Ridge Center in Greece

Greece, New York — The plaza, now known as Elm Ridge Center, has faced extensive renovations. Developers are breathing new life into empty storefronts, and getting ready for a celebration this week.

“The plaza at one time…really was the hub of the town of Greece as a retail strip, as a retail corridor with restaurants, Sam’s Club,” said Managing Partner Jay Wegman. “It was thriving. And just through the years and with the change of shopping habits and whatnot, the plaza went through some tough times.”

According to Wegman, he and his fellow developers saw a chance to turn things around.

“We’ve met some great business owners throughout the way here,” said Project Coordinator Corinne Nicholas. “Some are expanding into their second location here. Some are just starting out. Some are national tenants that are re-signing because they do see the opportunity we’re bringing to the plaza. Between restaurants, your modern-day treasure hunts, and your smoothie places, we’re really excited and we’re very excited for the town of Greece and people in the community to come back and enjoy this center.”

The plaza is housing a number of mixed-use tenants, including Cheer Athletics, which has taken over the former OfficeMax location. Other businesses include global PPE manufacturer Paneffort and Refresh Smoothie Bar, with the latter set to open this week.

On Wednesday the plaza will be hosting a ribbon-cutting of the Elm Ridge Courtyard to help celebrate the ongoing changes, and developers continue to meet with businesses looking to open at the center.

Wegman says it’s all part of an effort that was well worth the work.

“When you put some of your own heart and soul, blood sweat, and tears in it, you take a little more of interest,” he said, “and that’s kind of what we did here, and we’re starting to see it pay off.”