Spraragen Partners

11/21/2025

When we purchased The Benjamin in March 2020, the world was filled with uncertainty, and transforming the vacant building into a vibrant mixed-use space felt almost unimaginable. Offices and restaurants were shutting down everywhere.

Then we discovered Simone's Kitchen, a hidden gem in Coxsackie, and instantly fell in love with the people, the story, and of course, the food. From the very beginning, we knew they were Achievers.

We invited Bashir Chedrawee and Shan Kaurejo to tour a 2020 much quieter Schenectady, painting a picture of what the neighborhood is normally like: bustling Sunday's Schenectady Greenmarket, sold-out Broadway shows at Proctor's Theatre, and Jay Street Marketplace lined with visitors for the Soup Stroll or Wing Walk.

They had the vision and took a chance on Schenectady, and we were proud to welcome them into our downtown and our community. Five years later, they’re absolutely thriving and we couldn’t be more proud of what they’ve built!

https://www.bizjournals.com/albany/news/2025/11/14/achievers-2025-simones-kitchen.htmlin

05/22/2025

We’re honored to receive a $1.5M Restore NY grant to help bring new life to the former St. Clare’s Hospital site in Schenectady. This project represents more than redevelopment — it’s about revitalizing a neighborhood, creating much-needed housing, and supporting working families with a new child care center. Proud to build a future that respects our past while serving our community’s evolving needs.

The planned redevelopment of St. Clare's Hospital in Schenectady into apartments and a day care has won a state grant.

05/08/2025

🍕Not sure what to have for Dinner? Help us raise some Dough! 🍕

Join us TODAY, May 8th, at Blaze Pizza - Mohawk Commons from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM and help support Destine Prep just by enjoying your favorite pizza!

🍕 Show this post when you order, and 20% of your purchase will be donated back to the school!

📍 Location: Blaze Pizza – 400 Balltown Road (beside Gap)
🕓 Time: 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
📱 Order Modes: In-restaurant, Blaze Pizza App, or BlazePizza.com
🎟️ **PROMO CODE:** 1103B

Every bite counts! Bring your family and friends and help make this fundraiser a success for Destine Preparatory Charter School. 🍕💛

04/17/2025

We’re excited to welcome in Downtown Schenectady! This rapidly expanding, brand has grown from a college startup at the University of Pennsylvania into a national late-night bakery powerhouse with over 275 locations across the country.

Their decision to invest in Downtown Schenectady highlights the continued growth and appeal of our vibrant urban core. We look forward to the added energy, foot traffic, and flavor they’ll bring to our business district.

04/02/2025

We’re incredibly proud to partner with Destine Preparatory Charter School and watch them thrive! 📚 It’s been amazing to see how far they’ve come in just a few short years. Check out this great article highlighting their growth and achievements since opening in Schenectady!

Destine Preparatory Charter School is renovating space to ultimately expand to fourth and fifth grades.

08/15/2024

We take pride in being a city stakeholder and understand that for our community to thrive, active and meaningful participation is essential. We intend to redevelop the property for the benefit of the surrounding neighborhoods and enhance walkability between Central Park, Price Chopper Supermarkets, and the Upper Union Street block.

New developments are in the works for the former St. Clare’s Hospital on Mclellan St. in Schenectady.

07/10/2024

Schenectady, NY (July 10, 2024) - GE Vernova today announced a new $22 million investment in its historic Schenectady facility to manufacture new advanced generators, helping meet existing and increased global demand from its customers. The new funding is expected to create more than 150 new jobs at...

07/08/2024

on Tuesday, we celebrated ’ expansion to Schenectady with an official ribbon cutting ceremony. Join us in welcoming Pearce as they contribute to our legacy of global energy leadership and innovation in the field!

07/08/2024

on Tuesday, we celebrated Pearce Renewables’ expansion to Schenectady with an official ribbon cutting ceremony. Join us in welcoming Pearce as they contribute to our legacy of global energy leadership and innovation in the field!

06/13/2024

Today's Jazz on Jay features Cliff Brucker & New Circle. Today, Noon - 1:30 at Jay Square.

02/28/2024

It was a beautiful day to commemorate the inauguration of our latest collaboration with Ellis Medicine – Family Room. Serving as the first-of-its-kind youth mental health center in New York State, the launch of The Family Room marks a significant step forward in the fight against the youth mental health crisis. By providing immediate, accessible, and welcoming care, the center aims to not only address mental health emergencies but also connect young individuals with ongoing support and resources.

Ellis Medicine celebrated a significant milestone yesterday as health care leaders cut the ribbon on a new mental health care program, The Family Room, which is made possible by a generous grant from the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation.

Ashley Norcross, Clinical Director or Mental Health Services and Social Services at Ellis Medicine states, “Every year, more than 500 children and adolescents experiencing mental and/or behavioral distress – often on the verge of crisis – present in our emergency room. We want to offer them and their family a safe, welcoming alternative. The Family Room will be a place where families can talk to a licensed therapist, get peer counseling and work with a case manager who will connect them with any community services they might need, regardless of their insurance status or ability to pay."

Learn more about the Family Room at https://ellismedicine.org/newsroom/default.aspx?NewsRoomID=198