Back in Action

Heather & I have returned from California Wine Country with tremendous enthusiasm for our project in Troy.

We traveled through some amazing scenery in Sonoma and Napa with our friends from Wine Country Vespa.

If you are considering visiting this area, the Vespa makes for an incredible mode of transportation through the wineries.

The senses are completely enhanced when zooming through these spectacular country roads on 2 wheels.

Wine Country Vespa will accommodate novice riders, as well as experienced ones.

Email RevolutionMoto@yahoo.com if you are interested in scheduling a tour.

We have met with some talented winemakers who are excited about the possibility of distribution to our Troy restaurant.

Some notable visits included Lynmar Estate, Freeman Winery, Medlock Ames, Iron Horse, and Quivira.

Today marks the first official day of work for me at 12 Second Street in a full-time capacity (alongside my co-worker Groucho).

Starting a business is both terrifying and exhilarating.  This venture is something that Heather and I have been planning for what seems like an eternity. We have scouted a ton of different businesses for concepts and ideas, and it is now time for us to execute our own plan.

We will chart our progress regularly on this blog, and hope that our journey inspires you to follow your passion.

-Vic

Looking for Sweet Memories of Troy

We are asking the public to help gather information regarding a former business located at our address.

1924 Troy Telephone Directory Advertisment

Nº 12 Second was once home to Lucas Confectionery, a sweets shop which operated for 88 years (1863-1951).

Lucas Confectionery Sugar Castle, currently on display at the Rensselaer County Historical Society

Until 1951, Lucas Confectionery produced homemade ice cream, cakes, and elaborate candy houses.

Original wood beam featuring Lucas' label

We would like to hear from anyone willing to share information, artifacts, or stories about Lucas Confectionery.

Please feel free to stop by during Troy Night Out, or drop a note anytime to Nº 12 Second Street, Troy New York 12180.

29th Annual Victorian Stroll

The Troy Victorian Stroll is a holiday tradition that takes place annually at Monument Square in Troy.

12 Second is located right in the center of all of the activity.

Couple to be part of Troy’s progress with new wine bar

Published November 27th, 2011

By Katie Nowak Roberts
The Record
@knowak_record

TROY — As the economic development coordinator for the City of Troy, Vic Christopher has had a chance to witness firsthand some of the exciting progress coming to the Collar City.

Now, Christopher will be part of that progress himself, having purchased a Second Street structure that he and his wife Heather LaVine are hoping to transform into a wine bar and apartments.

Work underway at Nº 12 Second

The project is beginning to take shape.

The process of removing the walls, doors, windows, floors, etc, has uncovered some well-preserved features that will become focal points in the next phase of Nº12 Second Street.

History of Nº 12 Second

Nº 12 Second Street was constructed as a 2-story walk-up residential building in the 1790′s.  It is known to be one of the oldest buildings still standing in the Monument Square section of Troy.

In 1867, the first floor was lowered to accommodate customers with a street-level commercial storefront, and C.F. Lucas Confectionery opened for business. The third floor was likely added around this time, as well.

Popular candy products were produced at Nº 12 Second, as well as some intricately designed candy houses,

Wine, Coffee, Beer & Dessert coming to Nº 12 Second

A community gathering space in a setting that pays tribute to the building’s confectionery history and the industrial era of the City of Troy.

Business name is TBA.