Deal breaks ground on new Center Street HQ

Deal Realty is set to move its headquarters to 748 Center St., redeveloping a parcel of land that lost its tenants following a late-2022 fire.

On Friday, Deal Realty teamed with the Upward Niagara Chamber of Commerce for a groundbreaking ceremony at the site that overlooks the Tim Hortons/Quest plaza.

“Deal Realty is one of the proud members of the Upward Niagara Chamber of Commerce, and we're so excited to be here today with them to celebrate this,” President Amanda Haseley said.

A press release noted, “This exciting expansion represents the company’s continued growth and commitment to serving clients throughout Niagara County and beyond.

“The new state-of-the-art office will provide a modern, welcoming space for both clients and agents, designed to foster collaboration, innovation, and exceptional service. Conveniently located in Lewiston, the office will enhance Deal Realty’s ability to meet the evolving needs of buyers, sellers and investors in today’s competitive market.”

Deal Realty will be located on the ground floor of the two-story building. The upper floor will hold one high-end apartment unit. This project is eyeing a spring or early summer 2026 completion.

Cheryl Deal, broker/owner of Deal Realty, said, “This groundbreaking marks a major milestone for Deal Realty. Lewiston is more than just a location – it’s a community we care deeply about. Our new office will allow us to better serve our clients while contributing to the continued growth and vitality of the village.”

Her husband, broker/owner Tom Deal, thanked those in attendance. Audience members included family, employees, construction partners and local leaders.

He explained the project is, well, a labor of love – which drew laughs from the audience.

“It's going to be like having another kid, right?” Deal said. “We're messing around a little bit today. Then we got nine months, probably with a little sickness, and then, hopefully at the end, we’ve got something beautiful here.”

Town of Lewiston Supervisor Steve Broderick said, “I just want to say how great this is. When you think about it, the guts it takes Tom and Cheryl to do this, to take a risk. You need people like that. I mean, I remember when it when the fire occurred, and everybody was so sick. And we looked at this lot. We had a beautiful buffalo here for a little while, and all of a sudden it disappeared. And everybody's like, ‘What's going to happen to this lot?’ ”

In the early morning hours of Nov. 30, 2022, a fire ravaged the building that held village merchants The Vintage Barber, Soully Created and Sue’s Frame of Mind. What remained was demolished in early 2023, leaving an empty space next to Vincenzo’s Pizza House.

“It takes somebody to have some vision, and to step up and do something,” Broderick said. “And you know what? It's always tough because, when you do that, you get criticized. But you know what? You keep going and you do the right thing, and you make it work, and it turns out to be good. And I'm sure Tom and Cheryl are going to do a great thing here and keep it beautiful.”

Assemblyman Angelo Morinello called Deal Realty “one of the building blocks of the Village of Lewiston.”

“I get to speak at many ribbon-cuttings and groundbreakings, but this one is special,” he said. “Tom and Cheryl, congratulations on your exciting decision to build your new home and business in the Village of Lewiston. …

“It is really heartwarming that you could see your future here, your family's future here. Building a new home is exciting, but when you combine it with building a new business and put the two of them together, your vision is incredible. That's why you're successful. That's why your family is beautiful. And I, personally, I want to thank both of you for your investment, your vision, and what you do for the village.”

Village of Lewiston Deputy Mayor Vic Eydt said, “I appreciate everybody being here, and I'm so happy that they're rebuilding this building here. Everybody was wondering what is going to happen, like (Broderick) said. ‘What are we going to do with this property?’ I mean, it is not the largest lot in Lewiston, but it's not the smallest, either. The thing is, it's on Center Street, and that's great. …

“We are so proud to have you guys move up the street, have your own place that you call your own.”

Earlier this year, Deal Realty’s project received all necessary approvals from the Village of Lewiston. Though partially on a hill, it doesn’t need any additional retention work.

The building will have a driveway and a deck. This parcel comes with five parking spaces in the plaza, and it will have a couple more spots around the building.

Deal Realty is currently located at 451 Center St.