UTICA, N.Y. -- A newly restored building in downtown Utica is now fully leased and functioning.
A formal ribbon cutting was held at the former security building on Bleecker Street in Utica.
The more than 18,000 square foot building was restored in a partnership between the city of Utica and bowers development.
Challenges during the restoration process included feces from birds, mold, asbestos, and many other problems. However, officials say the finished product is well-worth the hard work it took to get there.
The entire building has been leased for 10 years by the Legal Aid Society of mid-New York, which employs 70 people.