However, those driving through the downtown area lately have probably noticed a change, and for the first time in a long time, things are looking up for Silver Creek’s commercial district.

One of the most drastic changes is that the old Hogg’s Dairy is getting quite a facelift, courtesy of its new owner, Peter Smith Jr.

“I’m a mason and a contractor,” said Smith to the OBSERVER, “and I do masonry of any type. I knew (the building) needed major work, inside and out, when I bought it.”

Smith said he bought the old Hogg’s Dairy, the dentist’s office building across the street, and the apartment building at 26 Howard Street for two reasons: One, he thought it made good financial sense; and two, the area needs to improve, and somebody has to step up.

OBSERVER Photo by Rebecca Cuthbert A Cut Above the Rest, in Silver Creek, is getting bigger and better, with expanded services including manicures, pedicures, facials and massages; and a new handicap-accessible ramp on the side of the building to better accommodate clients.

“I bought it on speculation,” he said, “so I’m trying to find a tenant. I won’t be running (a business) there myself, but it would be ideal for a professional business, like a lawyer or dentist. … I hope to either rent it or sell it.”

Smith explained that the interior of the building, as well as the exterior, is being overhauled.

“It was already gutted, but we put up new drywall, (put in) a new furnace and new wiring. It was really just a shell before. Now it’s a whole new building,” he said.

Real estate is inexpensive in this area, he noted, and the time to buy and make improvements is now.

“I think a lot of people don’t realize that real estate (in Silver Creek) is cheap, and you can buy it reasonably. … It’s right on the main corner, and the location alone makes it valuable. It didn’t look like much when I bought it.”

Smith said that if just a few people would “dig in to make things happen,” Silver Creek’s business area could really pick up.

“A lot of people copy cat things,” he said. “People have to make things happen, though. It’s not going to happen by itself. … Anything can be improved. People need to get that more in their minds, (and we) could see a difference.”

Smith said he’s already found a renter for the old dentist’s office. It will be a call center for a business that does collections. The upstairs apartment is for rent. He will keep the three-unit apartment building on Howard Street as-is, and the apartments there are already rented.

Smith is also the owner of Killbuck Scents and Creekside Whitetail Farm in Forestville (https://killbuck.com/).

Across the street from the old Hogg’s Dairy, changes are happening at A Cut Above the Rest, as owner Laurie Bifaro confirmed for the OBSERVER. She purchased the building next door at 215 Central, and is expanding her salon.

“The plans are that we’re going to combine the two buildings and create a spa atmosphere,” Bifaro said. “In the current building, we’re still going to do hair; that’s the main business, and I have five stations. In the new building, we’re going to do pedicures and manicures, facials and massages.”

The building, which Bifaro and her husband are gutting to accommodate their plans, has seen many businesses open and close throughout the years. Most often, it’s been a florist shop, but for one reason or another, it has always shuttered.

But, now, like Smith’s buildings, the location will experience a rebirth because someone was willing to take a chance.

“I’ve been thinking about expanding for a while,” said Bifaro. “My husband and I decided to buy (the building) when it became empty. We have a lot of summer residents here, and a lot of visitors coming through, and they’re looking for a place where they can (find these services). It’s a really good location, and I think it will help out Silver Creek.”

Bifaro bought her salon about 11 years ago, and is ready for this next step. The new spa area will have refinished hardwood floors and house two pedicure chairs, two manicure chairs, and a wax and massage room. Bifaro said group bookings will be welcome, such as bridal parties or friends getting ready for formal school dances or events, and those interested can call 934-4338.

Additionally, Bifaro has improved her business through the addition of a brand-new handicap ramp on the side of the building closest to Ellie’s Deli, to better accommodate her clients.

The former Red’s Pizza building was also recently purchased; in late November, it was bought by Lancaster Foods LLC, though the OBSERVER has not yet been able to confirm the new owner’s plans for the site.

These new ventures follow other recent openings and improvements, such as the Stitchez Unlimited building remodel on Howard Street, Little Guys Pizza on Central Avenue, Grindhouse Fitness and MMA on Main Street, the Exelco/Newbrook Inc. offices’ relocation to the old REM-Tronics building on Central Avenue, and Happy Ending can and bottle redemption center, also on Central Avenue.

All of these go to show that the little village may have been down, but it was never out.

“There’s still a lot of hope for this area,” Smith remarked. “I think we’re going to see a turn around in the economy. … Things are improving.”