Ann Donnelly Photo
By Ann Donnelly
After sitting vacant for 12 years, the prominent property at the intersection of Route 9 and Route 197, formerly home to Suzuki and Auto World, is seeing new life as Moreau Commons. This high-traffic site, north of Northway Exit 17, sits at a strategic “gateway” to the town of Moreau, South Glens Falls and Vermont, serving as a visual anchor for the community. An estimated 32,000 cars pass through the intersection daily, making the revitalized hub a focal point for the Route 9 corridor.
The site has a deep historical footprint before being reimagined by developers Ben Alden and Brian McKenzie, owners of Executive Property Services. McKenzie said the building’s evolution was gradual over several decades, with the original structure serving as a gas station that was eventually built around as the business grew. It later transitioned to an RV business and eventually became Auto World, selling cars and motorcycles, before falling into disuse for more than a decade.
The project began when Alden, also the owner of Platinum Protective Coatings, searched for a new location to expand his business, which specializes in accessories and spray-on truck bed liners such as Patriot Liner. Partnering with McKenzie — a builder with extensive experience in steel framing and drywall — the duo chose to rehabilitate the existing structure rather than pursue costly new construction. McKenzie, who hand-crafted the building’s identity through custom metal fabrication and design, said that despite years of neglect and water damage, the property had “good bones”.
The extensive renovation involved stripping the building to its “skeleton” to fix structural damage, rewire the entire space and install new sheetrock throughout the interior. Alden credited McKenzie with the creative execution of the space, noting that the building’s unique aesthetic comes entirely from McKenzie’s vision. McKenzie handled the intricate fabrication, from the brass lobby signage to the custom lighting and metal prints in the barbershop.
As public interest grew during development, the owners pivoted from their original plan to create a multitenant “destination place” designed for community synergy. Alden emphasized the need for flexibility in the development process, noting that a broader move was ultimately better for the town’s growth. This strategy allows customers to benefit from multiple businesses in one visit. For example, the shared lobby allows clients waiting for an appointment at Upstate Barber Co. or Salon V to step into the common area to grab a coffee or a bagel from Stinky’s Coffee, which all moved into the development in December 2025.
In March, ADKtechs, a B2B technology company, moved into its newly developed two-floor offices, and Alden and McKenzie continue to seek businesses to fill the remaining one or two available spaces. They are selectively looking for businesses that will “jive” with the existing group to create a complete destination.
The success of Moreau Commons is rooted in a relentless work ethic the owners call “the grind”. Best friends for years, Alden and McKenzie credit their success to mutual trust and a willingness to communicate openly. They maintain the property themselves, doing the unglamorous work required to keep the hub running, including plowing the parking lot together at 4 a.m.
The partners offered advice to the next generation of business owners, stressing the importance of capital and resilience. McKenzie emphasized the value of early sacrifice, noting his father’s advice to save money when young to remove financial worry later. Alden said entrepreneurs must be ready for their vision to shift as they grow. They suggest always having a “Plan B,” or even a “C” and “D,” in case projects do not go as expected.
While they continue to look for final tenants who will “jive” with the existing group, Alden is also searching for a new home for his coatings business, keeping the door open for the duo’s next development. McKenzie remains the creative force behind the physical aesthetic, and Alden continues to look to his partner’s ability to create and build. Together, they have turned a 12-year vacancy into a gateway to opportunity for the people of Moreau.