OLEAN, New York – Senator Catharine Young (R, C, I – 57th District) celebrated the grand opening of downtown Olean’s newest business on Saturday, Christie’s Boutique at 119 North Union Street.
Senator Young and other dignitaries joined owners Scott and Christie Brook for the ribbon cutting and open house at their new business. Christie’s Boutique features antiques, hand-made furniture, delicacies including Cuba Cheese and Sprague’s maple syrup, local artwork and gift baskets.
Senator Young said businesses like Christie’s Boutique are the key to downtown Olean’s revitalization.
“Thank you Scott and Christie for saving this historic building and for creating this beautiful new business in downtown Olean,” she said. “You are helping revitalize Olean and are proof that the state’s investment in downtown Olean was worth it.”
Senator Young supported a $10 million New York State Downtown Revitalization Initiative grant, which Olean won last year. The funding will enable the city to continue investing in downtown improvements.
Senator Young said the downtown is the heart and soul of Olean. She said the state’s investment will boost jobs and economic activity, broadening the tax base and benefitting all Olean residents.
Scott Brook said the Walkable Olean project and downtown improvements, convinced he and his wife to buy and renovate the building. They sold their home of 24 years to buy the building and now live in an apartment over the boutique.
“We believe in the future of downtown Olean,” he said.
Mrs. Brook was a longtime volunteer with the Olean Food Pantry. She said a portion of all sales at Christie’s Boutique will support a fund for the food pantry at the Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation.
Mrs. Brook thanked Senator Young for helping small businesses succeed and grow.
Built in the 1860s, the building was initially a bank. For many years, it was home to F.R. Brothers & Company pharmacy.