Schenectady jeweler moves after Jay Street fire

PHOTOGRAPHER: Peter R. Barber

Schenectady Fire Assistant Chief Michael Gillespie makes his to Jackson Demolition crews moments after a large section of the facade came falling to Jay Street Friday, March 20, 2015.

Esmeralda Jewelry is relocating to 127 Jay St., on the Jay Street pedestrian walkway, after a fatal fire destroyed its previous location at 100-102 Jay St. on March 6.

The jewelry store is expected to reopen at 127 Jay St. in June. Renovations of the space will take place over the next several weeks, according to the Downtown Schenectady Improvement Corp.

Esmeralda Jewelry was one of several businesses impacted by the fire at 100-102 and 104 Jay St. The Executive Lounge at 108 Jay St. and Persian Bite and Bel Cibo at 96 Jay St. have also been closed since the fire.

According to Ashok Mirpuri, the owner of 96 Jay St., Persian Bite is searching for a new location.

Esmeralda Jewelry lost a majority of its equipment and items in the fire. The store was given a portion of donations from DSIC’s fundraiser in April that raised money for businesses affected by the fire.

The fundraiser took in more than $51,000 in donations plus a $25,000 matching donation from Neil and Jane Golub. The money was distributed to Bel Cibo, City Hall Barbershop, Executive Lounge, Persian Bite, Schenectady Safe & Lock Co. and Tara Kitchen.

The jewelry store also received equipment and display cases from Ray Bleser, the owner of Northeastern Fine Jewelry, to help the store with establishing its new location.