Photo gallery: Bickerman building in Utica will be restored as a coffee, ice cream shop with upstairs lofts

Soon residents may not be able to recognize the inside of the Bickerman building in downtown Utica.

Matt and Jen Cetwinski, owners of Cetwinski Construction, bought the building last year.

The Cetwinski family plans to renovate the building that will feature an ice cream and coffee shop, along with upstairs lofts.

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Soon you won't be able to recognize the inside of the Bickerman building in downtown Utica. Matt and Jen Cetwinski, owners of Cetwinski Construction, purchased the building last year. The Cetwinski family plans to renovate the building that will feature an ice cream and coffee shop along with upstairs lofts. (Scott Anderson)

Built in 1874, the Bickerman Building has housed many businesses over the years. The village’s first post office occupied the building when it first opened. Clark’s Hall and Cary Theatre also were located in the historic structure.

The building was left vacant from 1946-56 and, after it was bought by the Bickermans, Frances Bickerman embarked on a major building rehabilitation, including the installation of an elevator in the building to maneuver easily between floors. The elevator still exists.

Most people, however, will remember the building as Bickerman’s Hardware from 1956-93 – Carey’s Barber Shop, a boutique, photography studio and a retail store.