Chautauqua County’s real estate market saw a surge of activity in early November, highlighted by strategic corporate acquisitions and several high-value residential sales. Wells Enterprises, Inc. continued its expansion in Dunkirk with a significant property purchase, while a Jamestown business relocated to a larger facility to accommodate its growth. These commercial moves occurred alongside a robust period of transactions that included a residential sale nearing one million dollars.
Key Takeaways
- Wells Enterprises, Inc. purchased another parcel on Main Street in Dunkirk for $300,000 as part of its ongoing multi-million dollar expansion.
- AKS Sign Designs & Marketing acquired a new facility on West 8th Street in Jamestown for $80,000 to expand its operations.
- The residential market showed strength with a property in Ellery selling for $950,000, leading a list of 13 transactions that surpassed $250,000.
- A total of 89 property transactions were recorded in the county during the five-day period from November 3 to November 7.
Local Businesses Invest in Expansion
Corporate investment is a key driver of the recent activity, with established companies and growing small businesses acquiring property to support their expansion plans. This trend points to confidence in the local economy and a commitment to long-term growth within Chautauqua County.
Wells Enterprises Solidifies Dunkirk Footprint
In a notable commercial transaction, Wells Enterprises, Inc. acquired a parcel on Main Street in Dunkirk for $300,000. This purchase is the latest in a series of acquisitions for the company, which is in the midst of a major expansion project at its Dunkirk plant.
The company has been systematically buying adjacent properties over the past year. With this latest purchase, Wells now owns seven of the eight parcels on the block from Marsden Street to Newton Street, directly across from its factory. This strategic land acquisition is a clear indicator of the scale of its planned growth and investment in the community.
Context of the Expansion
The ongoing multi-million dollar expansion by Wells in Dunkirk is expected to significantly impact the local economy. The acquisition of surrounding properties provides the necessary space for facility upgrades, increased production capacity, and potentially new job creation, reinforcing the company's long-term presence in the city.
AKS Sign Designs Signals Small Business Growth
The county’s small business sector is also showing signs of healthy expansion. AKS Sign Designs and Marketing purchased a new building at 615 W. 8th St. in Jamestown for $80,000. The company, which started in 2018, is relocating from nearby Lakewood to the larger Jamestown facility.
The move is intended to centralize and expand the company's services. Alexandra Sullivan of AKS Sign Designs & Marketing confirmed that the new location is already being used for certain projects.
“AKS Sign Designs & Marketing has already moved into the new space for graphic and wrap installations on cars, trucks, and trailers. Renovations to convert the space for all install projects have already been done, and we plan to continue renovation and move the office and show room down to 8th Street before spring.”
Sullivan also noted that updates to the building's exterior are planned for the spring, signaling a full commitment to revitalizing the new property and establishing a permanent, larger base of operations in Jamestown.
High-End Residential Sales Show Market Vigor
Beyond the commercial sector, the residential market demonstrated considerable strength, particularly at the higher end. A total of 13 properties sold for more than $250,000 during the first week of November, underscoring the demand for premium real estate in the region.
The top residential sale was a property at 4247 Marthas Vineyard in Ellery, which sold for $950,000. This was followed by another significant lakeside transaction at 3210 Chautauqua Ave. in North Harmony, which closed at $680,000.
Market Snapshot: Nov. 3-7
In just five days, Chautauqua County's real estate market processed 89 separate transactions. Of these, 15% were for properties valued at a quarter-million dollars or more, indicating a dynamic and valuable market.
Top-Tier Transactions Across the County
The high-value sales were distributed across several towns, showcasing broad market appeal. Notable sales included properties in Westfield and Pomfret, both of which sold for $400,000. Agricultural land also proved valuable, with 107 acres of farm and vineyard land in Portland selling for $399,000.
Other significant sales from the period include:
- $950,000 for 4247 Marthas Vineyard, Ellery
- $680,000 for 3210 Chautauqua Ave., North Harmony
- $505,800 for 7 Haven Ave., Chautauqua Institution
- $400,000 for 4646 Parker Road, Westfield
- $400,000 for 5288 Blockhouse Road, Pomfret
- $399,000 for three parcels on Route 20, Portland
- $350,000 for 11 Maple St., Bemus Point
- $300,000 for a parcel on Main Street, Dunkirk (Wells Enterprises)
- $290,000 for a condominium unit on Cayuga Drive, Chautauqua
- $285,350 for 8011 Milestrip Road, Villenova
- $280,000 for 4325 Leach Hill Road, Ellington
- $268,000 for 63 Newton St., Fredonia
- $265,000 for 33 Wright Park Drive, Dunkirk
- $250,000 for 25 Monroe St., Silver Creek
This list reflects a diverse range of properties, from lakeside homes and condominiums to agricultural land and village residences, all commanding strong market prices. The period's activity suggests that both commercial investment and residential demand remain robust across Chautauqua County, painting a positive picture for the region's economic stability and growth.
