The Galesi Group’s journey began on January 21, 1969, when the Town Board of Guilderland unanimously approved the lease of the Voorheesville Army Depot to Francesco and Vincent Galesi by the Town’s Urban Renewal Agency. This depot, dormant since 1965, was revitalized by Galesi into the Northeastern Industrial Park, transforming 30 buildings and 31 miles of rail. In February 1969, Galesi acquired the Schenectady General Depot, converting it into the Rotterdam Corporate Park.
Third Party Logistics
By 1970, these conversions, covering over 8 million square feet, launched Mr. Galesi into the third-party logistics sector, establishing Distribution Unlimited. By 1990, the company had grown into a full-service third-party logistics provider, expanding to include liquid and dry bulk transfer, transload services, rail freight handling, and value-added solutions. Today, Distribution Unlimited is recognized as the largest warehousing and transloading complex in the Northeast.
Real Estate Development
In 1983, the Galesi Group expanded into real estate development with the Equinox project, the largest renovation in Vermont’s history. This ambitious project included the development of condominium units, a 13,000-square-foot health spa, and a championship 18-hole golf course. The company’s real estate expansion continued in 1996, with the establishment of a development office in Austin, Texas, upon acquiring the Harris Branch Planned Unit Development.
On April 1, 2010, the Galesi Group took another significant step by acquiring one of the region’s largest waterfront parcels, the former American Locomotive Company (ALCO) site. The site, burdened by over 1 million square feet of dilapidated buildings, tax liens, and environmental challenges, was transformed through collaboration with the NYS DEC’s Brownfield Program. Galesi’s vision for a mixed-use urban development included residential apartments, condos, office buildings, retail spaces, and hotels, alongside a newly constructed 3.25-acre harbor with 50 dock slips.
In November 2013, after New York State voters approved a constitutional amendment allowing up to seven non-Indian casinos, Galesi, with strong community and local government support, pursued this opportunity. After evaluating numerous operators, Galesi partnered with Rush Street Gaming, known for their reputable and successful regional casino operations. The Schenectady casino proposal, backed by broad community support, offered job creation and economic stimulus for one of New York’s most distressed urban areas, complementing Galesi’s $150 million investment in the northern portion of the ALCO site.
Industrial Parks
The Galesi Group’s industrial park portfolio continued to grow with the acquisition of the Scotia Naval Depot in 1985, later converted into the Glenville Business and Technology Park. In 1991, Galesi redeveloped the former Harlem River Rail Yards in the Bronx and in 2001, redeveloped the Green Island Ford Motor Site into Island Park. In 2022, Galesi formed a joint venture to develop 1.7 million square feet of industrial space in Austin, Texas. Collectively, these industrial parks represent 12 million square feet across over 1,100 acres.
Exploration & Production Of Natural Resources
In 2000, Galesi diversified its operations by forming E&B Natural Resources Management Corp., specializing in oil and natural gas exploration and production in California, Texas, Louisiana, Kansas, and Wyoming. E&B operates over 20 oil and gas fields, producing over 11,000 barrels per day with 10 dedicated field service rigs.
Today
The Galesi Group manages a diverse real estate portfolio exceeding 11 million square feet. With over 150 real estate and property management professionals across New York and Texas, the company offers comprehensive property management services.
