Built in 1972, the former Como Mall located in Cheektowaga, NY a suburb of Buffalo, was anchored by two, large local department stores. In years to come, both anchors would downsize and close their doors, leaving the smaller retailers in the Mall to survive on their own. By 1983, the Como Mall was a struggling retail center with mostly smaller, family-owned stores. In 1984, Jay Kaiser, president of AmCap Inc., purchased the Mall with much enthusiasm and anticipation for the future. AmCap Inc. became the managing partner of the project and was ready to “jump start” the facility and revitalize it into a thriving retail center. After months of planning and preparation, a re-naming ceremony and grand re-opening was held in August of 1985 and the AppleTree Mall was born. Securing retail tenants was becoming increasingly more difficult. In 1991, Comal Associates applied for and received approval from the GSA to house the IRS within the Mall. Upon securing a few more office tenants, Mr. Kaiser devised the creation of a self-contained office complex. AmCap created a restructuring plan for the Mall to turn it into a business park setting. The introduction of the AppleTree Business Park, as it is known today, brought with it an exciting chain of events. A full amenity package was lined up within the Park, from day care, to a restaurant, to a gift shop, to an exciting new fitness facility, all to further entice future office tenants. Interior areas were renovated, new carpeting and granite tile were installed, and all of the landscaping and signage was completely redesigned. Today, AppleTree Business Park is a thriving center of business activity and an asset to the Town of Cheektowaga and the entire Western New York area. The wide range of businesses operating from this facility is steadily increasing, a testament to the project and those who brought it to fruition.