LITTLE FALLS, N.Y. — After decades building a successful electrical and home integration business in the Lake Tahoe region, Tony Maida has returned to his Central New York origins with a mission to breathe new life into one of the city’s historic gems.
Maida, a Herkimer native, purchased the vacant Vincent Manufacturing Building in Canal Place last year and has begun the initial phases of renovation, aiming to transform it into a vibrant hub for businesses, dining, and luxury living.
The building, situated along the Mohawk River with stunning views of the canal and surrounding landscape, caught Maida’s eye during a serendipitous visit to Little Falls in 2023.
What started as a family trip turned into a homecoming that inspired him to invest in the community’s future.
“I came back in 2023 after about 17 years of not coming home to Herkimer,” Maida recounted. “My dad was having cataract surgery at Little Falls Hospital. So, before I even got home, I was in Little Falls, waiting for him. I just walked around town, and it hit me, and poof, here I am.”
Maida’s connection to Little Falls runs deep, despite growing up just six miles away in Herkimer. As a child and teenager, he frequented the area for family gatherings, ball games, and skiing with the Little Falls ski team at Shoemaker Mountain.
His maternal grandparents, the Perrinno’s, hailed from the city, and he has fond memories of relatives working in local factories, such as Snyder and Alegros.
“Growing up, we had relatives here, so we’d go to ball games. We’d do things like that, especially skiing in Shoemaker,” Maida said.
“And then, being young and in Little Falls, you don’t really see it right away. Traveling and working around the country, I returned with a keen eye for beautiful buildings. Little Falls is preserved. Out of all the small towns, I think Little Falls has preserved things the best, and still has that charm and that energy.”
It was during that 2023 walk that Maida was struck by the architectural beauty of landmarks like St. Mary’s Church, where he spent hours admiring its details and snapping photos.
He then wandered to Moss Island and the Lock, reminiscing about childhood adventures along the river. The combination of nostalgia, family history, and the area’s untapped potential sealed his decision to relocate and invest.
“Just the magic of this little city square, you know, in the river, and the views,” Maida explained when asked what drew him specifically to the Vincent Manufacturing Building. “It’s just sitting there doing nothing, and the potential is here for growth and stimulus.”
Maida’s professional background equips him well for the project. After graduating from Herkimer High School in 1991, he worked in local construction and at his grandmother’s restaurant, Cherry’s. He then pursued his passion for skiing, moving to Lake Tahoe, where he initially groomed slopes and worked on electrical projects during the summers.
In 2000, he founded his own company, specializing in electrical systems and smart home integration for high-end custom homes.
“We do electrical and home integration, a lot of high-end custom homes around Lake Tahoe, which is a privilege to work on some of these masterpieces,” Maida said. “And we just grew and grew.”
The business now operates in both Nevada and California. “I’ve got a team of 16 guys, and some of them have been with me for 25 years. And the next one’s 23 years. And then the next one’s like 17 years. So long-term employees. So I attract good people.”
Despite the success out West, family ties pulled Maida back East. His parents visited Tahoe annually, but as they aged, the distance became more challenging. The 2023 visit reignited his appreciation for Little Falls’ preserved historic charm, setting the stage for his purchase of the Vincent building in 2024.
Since acquiring the property, Maida has focused on foundational work to prepare it for tenants. “First phase is, you know, just cleaning, cleaning it up, cleaning the facade up, getting rid of all the junk trees, getting rid of the dirt pile that’s been here for five years,” he said.
“I just want to clean up the outside and then start with a clean canvas. And eventually get water, sewer, and all that, get utilities going, and then sort of design more from there.”
Maida envisions a mixed-use development that capitalizes on the building’s prime location. Plans include clearing space for additional parking and creating inviting commercial spaces on the ground floor.
“Clearing out the parking lot area, getting some extra parking, possibly cleaning this up. And a cafe here with outdoor seating would be on the east end of the building, which would be ideal,” he shared.
“And then something alcoholic related, maybe a tasting room or a speakeasy around back to come in.”
The second floor could serve as an office or expansion space for downstairs businesses, while the third floor is slated for three luxury apartments. “The third floor, definitely want to do three nice luxury apartments,” Maida added.
His overarching goal is to create an attractive environment that draws quality businesses and residents, boosting the local economy. “I want to create the space and attract the quality people in businesses that will fill these spaces,” he emphasized.
As Maida continues the project, he remains optimistic about Little Falls’ future, viewing his efforts as a way to give back to the community that shaped him.
With his expertise in high-end renovations and a personal stake in the area’s revival, the Vincent Manufacturing Building could soon become a cornerstone of Canal Place’s ongoing renaissance.
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