By Randy Koniowka
The motto was simple. When you buy New York, you build New York. The plan was ambitious. Take 12,000 square feet of retail space in downtown Cohoes and create a culinary destination.
Four years later, The Harmony House Marketplace has indeed become a destination to food and wine lovers all over the Capital District.
But the road to success was bumpy to say the least. "Going in, we were uncertain" says co-owner Diane LaCivita. LaCivita, along with Jane LaCivita Clemente have managed to turn the former Dietchers Wallpaper complex on Remsen Street into a bastion of local food and wine. And just last year, Harmony House became home to a resident cheese maker.
But the offerings at Harmony House don't end with great food and wine. They also hold a series of cooking classes. According to LaCivita, "The educational aspect is a strong component of what we do."
The activity at Harmony House is not confined to the ground floor. Remsen Street Studios, a group of local artists has taken up residence on the upper floor. And with more space still available, Harmony House hopes to be home to other culinary and artistic endeavors.
Their success, however, comes during the worst economic downturn since the 1930's. But unlike many small businesses that are struggling to survive the recession, Harmony House has managed to succeed. "I can't complain" says LaCivita, "what we put in, we will get back."
Harmony House is just one of the many new businesses that have moved into downtown Cohoes over the last several years. Regarding the future of downtown, LaCivita is optimistic. "Cohoes is now on the radar, more retail would help, but it's baby steps."
Future plans include a tapas bar which will open this spring.
The Harmony House Marketplace is located at 184-190 Remsen Street, Cohoes New York
They can be found online at http://www.harmonyhousemarketplace.com/
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