Developer Jim Ranalli: Redeveloping the West End
04/14/2016
For Jim Ranalli, redeveloping properties in the West End neighborhood is a labor of love. It is the neighborhood where he spent his childhood, and where his family business, United Auto Supply, has always been headquartered. The West End is a major part of his life.
“This whole city has life,” says Jim Ranalli, CEO and president of United Auto Supply. “Syracuse has a lot to offer and there is opportunity everywhere you look.”
In 2013, Jim acquired the old Marsellus Casket Company factory on Richmond Avenue. After years of being passed around to various developers, the abandoned property suffered a catastrophic fire and was in bad shape. What was once a symbol of Syracuse pride had become a blemish on the community.
“I was tired of looking out my window and seeing this dilapidated building,” added Jim. “The state of the property had concerned people for many years and something needed to be done.”
Together with his son, James Ranalli, III, he began redeveloping the property. Named Marsellus Commons, the beautiful new building has already signed Rural/Metro Ambulance Service as a tenant, giving this vital community service the space it needs to respond quickly and continue growing. Jim plans on moving the headquarters to his family’s business, United Auto Supply, into the top two floors of the newly renovated building.
Jim turned to Solvay Bank for his commercial lending needs. This isn’t the first time they have worked together to make a difference in the West End. With financing from Solvay Bank, Jim redeveloped an abandoned car dealership into the thriving Genesee Plaza which is home to Aldi, Dunkin’ Donuts, Jreck Subs, and Dollar Tree. It not only revitalized the area, but brought highly sought after services to West End residents.