Masse Gateway -- a redevelopment project partially funded by NYS grants -- has its second tenant.
Merrill Lynch Global Wealth Management is building a new office -- that someday could employ 18 people -- in one of the former tractor factory buildings.
Martin G. Anderson, a director out of the Buffalo office, said Merrill Lynch has had its eye on Batavia for five years and those long-range plans are just coming to fruition.
"We know our clients in Batavia do not want to drive to Buffalo or Rochester to do business," Anderson said.
The office will initially open with 11 employees, including some brokers who were once with the old Smith Barney office in Batavia and jump shipped years ago to Merrill Lynch.
"This is going to be a bit of a homecoming for them," Anderson said.
Among them is Joshua Dent, a Bethany native who will manage the new office.
Previously, local business Creamy Creations announced it was moving to Masse Gateway.
There is 60,000 square feet available in the redevelopment project.
Merrill Lynch anticipates opening the office Aug. 1.
Top photo: Anderson and Dent with Julie Pacette, community development coordinator and Tom Mancuso, owner of Masse Gateway. Bottom photo, Mancuso, Dent and Anderson with City Manager Jason Molino during a meeting with the local media.
