May 8, 2019 - An excellent location in the heart of downtown! Second floor is a historical gems, and a neat deadended alleyway creates an interesting outdoor patio. Here's what 300-306 looks like from the outside...
We see a bigger, better, #DowntownUtica! As soon as @MVHealthSystem places new hospital elsewhere, BUD’s prepared to reincarnate “BenGees Downtown Bar” in CoLa, at 300 Columbia Street... https://t.co/iiulOIo45u pic.twitter.com/FxczJJgOOE
— BetterUticaDowntown (@BudsforBUD) May 8, 2019
An old "Saloon", very solid, 2-story brick building located directly opposite the Utica Paint Building at 301 Columbia. We can envision restoring the old exterior and preparing the "Fulmer Building" for downtown's growing residential population.
January 27, 2016 - Passing within the family (Ben "Chuggy" Maggiore, Jr. 1955 - 2016) reveals, "Upon the passing of his father, Chuggy continued the family legacy as co-owner and co-operator of Bengee's Downtown Bar on Columbia Street."
We also learn that the family had a long history downtown... "As a youngster, Chuggy worked with his mother and brother at Wolfie's Restaurant on the Busy Corner at Lafayette and Genesee Streets. Subsequently, he and his brother co-owned and co-operated AJ's Floor Covering on Columbia Street."
R.I.P. Chuggy! BUD will make sure that CoLa remembers you, just as soon as this hospital is relocated!
December 9, 2015 - Bengee's was listed "No 1" in Most Underrated Bars In The Utica Area, where they stated...
"We're not talking about the flashy, hyped up popular bars in Utica and the surrounding towns. We're focusing on the dive bars, the small, hidden neighborhood bars, the bars that time forgot."
As downtown revitalize, Bengees has a great future, inspite of the rumored hospital. Get to know other properties within CoLa's Central-East block group.
April 21, 2016 - A real estate listing [Ref.] reports; A staple in Utica for over 40 years, well established bar & grill in popular area. Bengees Bar has bar, stage, dance, floor plus 2 adjoining buildings. Second floor prime for lofts/apartments. Start your own business today, turn key, measuring a total of 11,760 square feet. In 2017, the nearby North-South Arterial carried 35,830 vehicles.
August 30, 2007 - Bengee’s downtown bar has been awarded a Façade Improvement Grant...
"Bengee’s owner Angelo Maggiore said he will use the funds to improve the exterior of his building on the front and side of its 306 Columbia St. location.
Utica’s Façade Improvement Programs is a matching grant for businesses in the city’s Community Development Block Grant target area.
The grant awards a dollar for dollar match up to $5,000, and businesses located in Utica’s Scenic and Historic District may be eligible for a $2 for $1 match up to $10,000. Grant funds are used for exterior improvements such as painting, lighting, signs, handicapped accessibility, pressure washing and awnings."
