Center, Danielle and Angelo Marra, owners of the West Main Mercantile store, cut a ribbon officially authenticating the opening of their store located at 17-19 West Main Street, Monday, while being flanked by elected officials, family and friends. P-J photo by Christopher Blakeslee

FALCONER — An early 1900s meat market and bank, which was a pet store and other various businesses, and is located at 17-19 W. Main St., is officially opened — albeit with a new look and vibe to it.

The West Main Mercantile store is a dream come true for co-owners and married couple, Angelo and Danielle Marra. For approximately two years the couple poured monetary resources and their blood, sweat and tears into rehabbing the former pet store which was in a dilapidated condition.

“This was a two year process to get the store open — just the way we like it,” said Angelo Marra. “We put a lot of time and money into restoring this old iconic building, here in Falconer.”

In 2018 a fire broke out at the storefront location and displaced 11 people after becoming fully engulfed. The fire was so large and intense it required fire departments from Kennedy, Busti, Jamestown, Kiantone, Gerry Chautauqua and Randolph to bring it under control and all but gutting the inside of the building.

Angelo Marra wasn’t alone in his sentiments regarding the revitalization of the married couple’s property.

“When Angelo and Danielle showed me their “new” property, I said to myself and my wife, ‘No way,”’ said Falconer Village Deputy Mayor and trustee Anthony “Skip” Cavallaro. “Everything was destroyed on the inside. … I mean just a total wreck. I can’t believe how amazing the building looks now. The inside is just beautiful.”

According to the Marras, the new business sells and showcases almost exclusively locally made wares and products.

“Almost everything in the store, close to 95% of all the items for sale are from locally owned and operated businesses,” said Angelo Marra. “I was born and raised here in Falconer. We wanted to open a business which showcases all the amazing things that are produced here locally.”

A quick glance at the various wares and products for sale in the store front location reveals an assortment of artwork, paints, food items, candles, soaps, restored antique furnishings and much more.

“We’ve got meals from Meals-to-Go here for business workers downtown. You can come in, buy your food, heat it up and eat it here or take it with you,” said Danielle Mara. “We have candles, soaps and other handcrafted items from American Maker; photographs and photograph art from Steve Garvey. We’re also looking at offering classes in our large studio.”

Much like other early 1900 architecture, above the storefront are the remnants of an apartment complex and living quarters — something to which the Marras are also looking to capitalize upon.

“I don’t want to just have regular apartments above our store,” said Danielle Marra. “We’re thinking about making the space into an extended-stay Airbnb. Fully furnished and something that offers a place to rest but geared more for larger companies in the area.”

Additionally, several awards were presented to the Marras congratulating them on their status and wishing them good luck. On hand to present awards, proclamations and well wishes were Assemblyman Andy Goodell (R-Jamestown), Chautauqua County Executive PJ Wendel, Cavallaro and a representee from Sen. George Borrello (R- Sunset Bay) office.

For more information visit 1719westmain.com