Massa Construction and Union Carpenters, Locals 276 and 277, Build Welcome Center Jewel in Geneva, New York

Finger Lakes Welcome Center

Massa Construction gave a major boost to New York tourism with its recent completion of the Finger Lakes Welcome Center. The facility is a distinctive new jewel in Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s plan to increase tourism in upstate New York.

“This is a magnificent facility, both for the local community and for the State of New York,” said Michael Sayers, general superintendent of Geneva, New York-based Massa Construction Inc., which served as the general contractor on the project.

When you have a team of union carpenters who have the best skill set and are dedicated to the job, you know that you'll end up with a project for which everyone can be proud.

Michael Sayers, Massa Construction Inc., general superintendent

“What we wanted to project for visitors, from New York and outside the state, is a comfortable, interesting and rewarding experience when they visit the Finger Lakes area. If this is their first stop, we wanted it to be memorable.”

The $5 million Welcome Center is one of 11 the state has or is completing throughout New York State.

Cuomo, who was at the ribbon cutting for the Geneva location in May, was particularly fulsome in his praise for the project.

Cuomo said the center is an investment in upstate New York’s tourism economy. He described the Finger Lakes as “one of New York’s greatest treasures thanks to its recreational opportunities, picturesque lake setting and award-winning wines,” according to an Associated Press report.

A first-time visitor described it as “clean, it's very bright and welcoming, outside all the way through to the water. It’s fantastic.”

The 9,024-square-foot Welcome Center features:

·       I Love NY kiosks with videos and directions to the Finger Lakes’ renowned tourism destinations.

·       Taste NY market showcasing local food, wine, beer, cider and spirits sourced from across the Finger Lakes.

·       Children's playground.

·       Electric vehicle charging stations.

·       Farmers market.

Massa Construction Inc. is particularly proud that the center was built on time and on budget.

“Communication is always the key to our projects and when you have good communication between the office and the field team, you’re heading in the right direction,” Sayers said.

Having an experienced construction team of union carpenters from Locals 276 and 277 helped keep the project on pace.

“When you have a team of union carpenters who have the best skill set and are dedicated to the job, you know that you’ll end up with a project for which everyone can be proud,” Sayers said.

It took about six months to complete the Welcome Center and while the number of carpenters varied, upwards of 40 were involved.

Source: Massa Construction Inc.

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