Honoring legacy. building the future.
A place you can feel
keep building.
work together.
grow community.
shape tomorrow.
The Armes Block has stood at the heart of Gowanda for over 120 years. As a lifelong resident with deep family ties to this community, we are committed to restoring this landmark—preserving its history while creating opportunity for the next generation.
The Armes Block has stood at the heart of Gowanda for over 120 years. Built in 1904 on West Main Street, it began as home to Armes' Drug Store, where a popular soda fountain drew the community together along Cattaraugus Creek.
Through the decades, the building housed barbershops, drug stores, pool halls, and countless businesses that served as gathering places for our town. Its walls hold the stories of generations who found community, commerce, and connection within these spaces.
Now, as a lifelong Gowanda native with deep family roots in this community, I’m honored to help write the next chapter. This revitalization is more than a renovation — it’s a reinvestment in the town that shaped me and a continuation of the legacy this building has carried for over a century.
From Vision to Reality
Beyond the building
This isn't just a renovation. It's a reinvestment in Gowanda's future. From vocational training for local youth to annual free back-to-school haircuts for students across four school districts, every aspect of this project is designed to strengthen our community.
The Barbershop Academy creates pathways to professional careers. Graduates receive preferred employment at our shop. Quality apartments address housing needs at 90% AMI.
