WPCNR MAIN STREET JOURNAL. From Cappelli Enterprises. July 26, 2007: As first reported by WPCNR weeks ago, Louis Cappelli, will be attempting to bring  Via Quadronno, the world famous cafe to White Plains and the bistro will be housed in the new 189 Main Street building Mr. Cappelli will propose this evening to the Common Council. Previously Via Quadronno was envisioned to be going into the first floor of the Bar Building, now it will appear to have a building all its own -- the new 189 Main Street.

In a news release today,Cappelli Enterprises unveiled the plans for a visually striking new three-story structure at 189 Main Street in the heart of the downtown White Plains that will be home to the world famous Via Quadronno cafe unlike any other cafe in Westchester and the region. A spokesman for Cappelli Enterprises said that the first floor of the Bar Building, originally conceived as the Via Quadronno location would now be devoted to retail. BLT Steak will occupy the first floor of the Ritz on Main Street.

The design of the proposed building — comprised of diamond-shaped glass panels — will complement the two 44-story glass towers Cappelli is building on the opposite side of Court Street —The Residences at the Ritz-Carlton, Westchester and The Ritz-Carlton, Westchester.

The new structure, if accepted by the Common Council will replace a dilapidated, fire-ravaged three-story building that has been demolished.  Cappelli is requesting the city’s Common Council to make certain modifications to the site plan for the 2,700-square-foot lot to accommodate the construction.  A public hearing may be scheduled for early August.

The new building will be developed as a component of the Ritz-Carlton project, reflecting the sleek architectural design and providing architectural continuity to the Court Street extension Cappelli is building between Main Street and Hamilton Avenue.  The entrance to the new Ritz-Carlton Hotel as well as the two adjoining  residential towers will be from Court Street. The hotel and the first residential tower are to open this fall.

Designed by Mark Shulman of Design Development, White Plains, the structure will house a cafe that Louis R. Cappelli, President of Cappelli Enterprises, expects will quickly become a top destination in Westchester. “There will be nothing like it in the county and it will add yet another exciting element to the core of White Plains that is emerging as one of the most stylish downtowns of any small city in the nation.  It will be a major attraction for residents and visitors.”

As envisioned, the first floor may include a gallery with multi-media screens.  It will feature a glass floor that looks down onto the level below. In addition, the building will also offer rooftop seating.

Cappelli noted that the building’s modern glass design, which he said has been designed to be both edgy and eye-catching, fits perfectly with the striking design of the Ritz towers, the tallest buildings between New York City and Boston. “This one-of-a-kind building will be a jewel of the downtown.  It will be a great addition to the downtown center of the city.”