May 27, 2026
Photo: Daniellagreen / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0) Gowanda/Political
Gowanda's Historic Armes Block Getting $3.5 Million Makeover
The Cattaraugus County Industrial Development Agency approved tax incentives for a $3.5 million renovation of the historic Armes Block building at 1 West Main Street in downtown Gowanda. Developer White Haven Holdings plans to convert the property into ground-floor commercial storefronts with residential apartments above, along with space for a barber academy. CCIDA Executive Director Corey Wiktor said the project builds on downtown revitalization efforts already underway in Gowanda through New York Forward funding. County officials framed the investment as part of a broader push to support recreation, infrastructure, and downtown redevelopment across Cattaraugus County.