The Glen Sanders Mansion, one of the most visible Scotia landmarks and the first thing drivers see when they approach the village from Schenectady, will undergo a $1 million renovation to be completed by spring.
The historic building and restaurant, which has been owned and operated by area businessman Angelo Mazzone for the past 20 years, will see a number of upgrades in the coming year, resulting from a business plan created in conjunction with Union College business students.
We know that part, if not all, of the charm is the historic aspect of the building, and we plan to preserve that and accentuate its character at the same time, said Mazzone.
Updates will include new chandeliers, lighting, a new color scheme, an improved front entrance and patio; and an overhaul of the dinner menu.
Renovations are set to begin in February and should be completed by the end of March. The restaurant will remain open during the construction, and the catering side will also remain in business.
Mazzone said that he wanted to work with the Union College students on developing a plan to lure people in not just for the amenities of the mansion, but for the restaurant side as well. When the Mazzone Management Group surveyed people across the area, more than 60 percent said they did not know they could go to the mansion simply for dinner.
The Union College students created a 100-page report offering solutions for increasing consumer awareness of all the mansion has to offer, including the restaurant.
Mazzone is no stranger to the restaurant business. His establishments number nine local eateries, and his most noted restaurants include the new Apertivo in Schenectady and Angelo’s 677 Prime in Albany.
Mayor Kris Kastberg said the village is excited to see Mazzone continue to dedicate his resources to the Glen Sanders because of its strong presence in the village.
`Glen Sanders is something we are proud of. It brings in a lot of people to our area,` said Kastberg.
When Mazzone purchased the property in 1988, he added 12,000 square feet to the original house, opened the fine-dining restaurant and two ballrooms, bringing the property to about 70,000 square feet. Mazzone, originally from Long Island, also has a reputation for hiring locally.
`I try to incorporate what I am doing on a business level with the needs of the community level,` said Mazzone.
The restaurant portion of the mansion will have its own name once completed in mid-March. There are no details yet on what that name will be.
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