New owner Alex Canonico rolling up sleeves to remodel and upgrade building in Somerset

SOMERSET ― Another building in Uptown Somerset is being restored to its original stateliness thanks to Alex Canonico.

Canonico, 27, a local artist, purchased the building at 152 W. Main St., in the fall of 2023. Formerly known as Somerset Galleries Antiques, the historic building built in 1877, had fallen into disrepair over the last decade.

Canonico has owned Tattoos by Artful Alex in uptown Somerset for five years and decided to invest in the community more permanently when the property went up for sale.

"I have been looking the last few years for bigger studio space in uptown. Some of them didn’t feel right," Canonico said in an email. "I then started looking on the market for commercial buildings. As soon as I saw this one listed and shared on Facebook, I set up my appointment to do a walk-through. I was never in this building before viewing it with the Realtors."

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The building made headlines in 2020 when about 3,000 bricks fell from the facade after water damage had caused the mortar to loosen. The facade was repaired through an emergency preservation grant from Somerset Inc. and the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies, according to a press release issued by Somerset Inc.

"Previously, I actually lived across the street in the Mosholder apartments and heard the bricks collapse onto the sidewalk the night it happened," Canonico said. "I remember then telling my partner that 'it’s such a shame these beautiful buildings uptown are crumbling from neglect.'"

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Canonico is known in the Somerset community for her dedication to creating artwork in a multitude of forms, as well as her support of many community initiatives. With a passion for revitalizing neglected spaces and fostering local talent, Canonico hopes to create a lasting positive impact and build a stronger, more vibrant community for future generations, according to the press release.

The history of this place

According to the press release citing the book “Somerset’s Story, Volume 1 & 2,” written by John Harris from Somerset, the building was built in 1877, similar in architectural style to those of George R. Parker and Valentine Hay, along West Main Street. One of the structures destroyed in the fire of 1876 was the home of John H. Uhl along the 100 block of West Main Street, according to the book.

Attorney Uhl "was a prominent member of the International Order of Odd Fellows and owned a substantial number of businesses and homes. After the 1876 fire destroyed his residence, he built a new residence on the same site of his former home."

In 1919, the Brooks Funeral Home occupied the building until 1964. Subsequent owners included a sporting goods store and a dress shop, according to Harris' book.

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In comes Canonico

"When I initially made an offer on the building, I really didn’t think I would get it. I had bought it as is with it completely full of the previous owner's belongings, antiques, completely full," Canonico said. "The first few days I just went there and cried because I couldn’t believe my dream of owning a building in uptown finally came true. Then I felt the 'where do I start? What do I address first?'”

The "What did I get myself into?" moment came in January, she said.

"That nasty storm over Fire & Ice weekend. I walked up to the building to shovel and salt the sidewalk," Canonico said. "I walked inside to make sure everything was okay and heard water like a faucet on. Looked to the front windows and it was just raining in all of the commercial front windows. I then cried and asked myself, 'What did I get myself into?'”

She said, at the time, she was still waiting on three different window companies with initial quotes.

"(I) was so nervous those windows wouldn’t last another storm before they got replaced," Canonico said. "Luckily, the following week I got a call back saying that Cambria Glass could come that following week for measurements to start the replacement. Replacing those front windows really made the building look and feel so much happier. It finally felt like a step forward to making it my own space."

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Canonico rolled up her sleeves and handled a thorough clean-out of the building, put new metal roofing on to prevent further leakage, and secured rooms where pigeons had taken residence. She’s leaned on her background in construction and welding, as well as friends and family, to move the project forward, the press release said.

This spring, Canonico’s hard work, plans, and use of community resources became visible to the community, as new windows were placed in the front facade of the building, partially funded through Somerset Inc’s Facade Grant and Facade, Accessibility, and Safety Grant Program. A full replacement of the historic box gutters is underway as well, also funded through Somerset Inc.’s Blight Remediation Grant Program through the Neighborhood Partnership Program.

The historically correct gutter replacement, updating the more than 100-year-old original box gutters, will secure the leaks that have caused damage to the building for many years, the release said.

Inside, Canonico is upgrading the utilities, fixing walls and ceilings, updating amenities, restoring the historic fabric, and preparing the space for future tenants.

"Due to the large scale of the building, I am renovating it in stages. One half will offer multiple commercial spaces for the startup businesses. That will start to be open this spring," she said. "The other half is mine for my studio, new storefront, and space to add so many more elements to my current business.

"With the design and construction plan in progress, I am planning on making the move to the building this fall. Because I am adding a storefront aspect to my current business, there will be set open hours and set appointment days. I will be offering more walk-in events, more services, and more quality artists! The grand opening festivities and details will be posted to my social media."

Big step for Uptown Somerset

Canonico’s purchase of this property with the intent to renovate marks a significant step toward revitalizing the architectural heritage of the area, said the press release.

"We are so excited to see this iconic Somerset building being renovated and even more excited to support Alex's dreams," said Regina Coughenour, executive director of Somerset Inc., in an email. "This project and entrepreneurs like Alex are exactly what we hoped the state facade grant and Neighborhood Partnership Program would support. We were able to award facade grants and NPP funds to support the cost of properly replacing the historic box gutters.

"It's one of the most stunning renovations yet and we're looking forward to the complete transformation of this building and its next 100 years!"

Canonico said she is excited to continue on the project and be part of Uptown Somerset's revitalization.

"I am thrilled to embark on this journey of restoration and rejuvenation," said Canonico in the press release. "This building holds immense historical significance for our community, and I am deeply honored to play a role in its revival. My goal is not only to restore its former glory, but also to modernize its infrastructure and functionality, creating a vibrant space that inspires and welcomes cultural and economic diversity in this town. I want to show my daughter, and those who look up to me, that regardless of the adversity some face, if you work hard enough, you have the power to make your dreams become your reality.

"I am beyond thrilled about this project!"

Madolin Edwards can be reached at medwards@dailyamerican.com.

This article originally appeared on The Daily American: New owner Alex Canonico rolling up sleeves to remodel and upgrade building in Somerset