PLATTSBURGH — A new home for Big Apple Audio will give space for a much larger showroom and up the space for installation.
And it will fill a downtown building that has long been empty, after years as a used-car-sales and inspection business.
Owner Bill Ferris said he plans to move to 17 Durkee St. by Oct. 1. He has purchased the building, after renting the current South Peru Street location for 10 years.
The structure currently has six drive-in bays, but two will be converted to create a showroom that is much larger than the one in use now. The four bays that remain are still two more than at the present location.
“We’re very excited about the move and to be able to serve the people of Clinton, Essex, Franklin and Warren counties with the same expertise the have received from Big Apple Audio,” he said.
Ferris described the move as a modest expansion, one that will allow him to increase services. Big Apple Audio offers detailing; it will now have one bay exclusively dedicated to that.
The interior of the building has been gutted, and work on renovations will start soon. The plan is to begin moving by the middle of September.
MAY INCREASE STAFF
When Ferris opened the business 10 years ago, the focus was on audio and video. It has since expanded into the whole array of automotive accessories, including cruise-control systems, remote starters, spray-on bed liners, video
systems, tinted windows, satellite radio, custom exhaust, window tinting and sunroofs.
Ferris has two full-time employees and six part-timers, depending on the time of year. He has already hired a new employee to start work when the new location opens and could be looking for more if business warrants it there.
Big Apple Audio offers pre
mium detailing, Ferris said. The deep-cleaning service can cleanse even the messiest vehicle, he said.
“We try to treat people the way we want to be treated if we walked into a business,” he said. “Part of the reason we’ve been successful is when people come in, we treat them right.”
EXCITED TO MOVE
Ferris was one of three partners in Grapevine Auto in Airport Plaza 25 years ago. Differing personalities made the venture unsuccessful, he said.
He then worked from home as he and his wife, Kristen, raised a family, then opened the current location 10 years ago.
Ferris said he has been working closely with the City of Plattsburgh Building Inspectors Office, which has provided helpful direction on how to proceed.
“We’re really excited to be moving and get in the new location,” he said. “We look forward to serving the commu
nity for many years to come.”
Plattsburgh Mayor Donald Kasprzak said it is nice to see another business coming to downtown.
“I am very pleased that space downtown will be utilized by Big Apple, and I wish them all the best.”
Email Dan Heath: dheath@pressrepublican.com
