Schenectady in Five Storefront Photos

The following set of photos is technically four storefronts and a store side, but it’s just as indicative of what the city has to offer as far as symbolic shapes. This set of photos was taken by photographer Erin Colligan, writer for the Times Union and currently a journalism student at SUNY Albany. The following photos were taken as Erin had been searching for a filming locations for an upcoming feature by the name of “Beyond The Pines” but we’re interested in the sweetness of the five photo set she presents here first.

In the images you see above and below you’re going to see a quick look at the city as it continues to stand built and painted many years ago. As Erin notes, she aims to peek at the elements that provide an obvious documentation of the history of the city. She also notes that big cinema productions are “moving upstate” because places like Schenectady are both visual stimulating and relatively cheap to use for movies. Erin recently found herself face to face with Ryan Gosling just across the river in Scotia as well – filming in New York, who knew?

Photos below come strapped with descriptions made by Erin Colligan, again, and all photographs were taken the first week of August, 2011. Can you feel the sweetness in the small businesses? Look at the killer wild letting in the lettering up in BI-MOR – and Pablo’s, with only a sign to the side of the window, nothing above? Completely undeniable.

A not yet rehabbed storefront in downtown Schenectady, NY

Street art or storefront? One of many colorful sites in downtown Schenectady, NY

Someone remembered that Schenectady was where the first TV broadcast took place?

Then there’s the Yellow TV set painted on the wall that we’ve been tipped by a T. Falk as being SACC TV – 16, a former public access station in the city. Additionally, there is a bit of information on the “Mr James” storefront as well, as noted by another trusted commenter:

“Mr James” Scolamiero arrived in Schenectady from Italy at age 4 in 1907; became a barber at the Van Curler Hotel, now Schenectady County Community College; moved into the red facade building on State St in 1963, at age 60; and reportedly was still cutting hair there at age 94.

If you’ve got any more info on the buildings pictured, feel free to let us know!