The Giacomo celebrates its namesake's 108th birthday

Downtown Niagara Falls landmark The Giacomo marked its anniversary Monday with a band, food and special giveaways.

“We're celebrating our namesake, Giacomo Paladino, it’s his 108^th birthday – and the hotel’s 9^th birthday. We’re just having a ‘Celebrate Giacomo Day,’ ” General Manager Doug Ujeski said.

The former United Office Building was constructed in 1929 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2006. After a period of inactivity, the Ellicott Hotels property was reborn as The Giacomo in 2009.

“We’re the No. 1 hotel in Niagara Falls, according to Trip Advisor, and have been for quite a few years right now. We’re very proud of that,” Ujeski said. “We’re a 44-room boutique hotel; part of the Ascend (Hotel) Collection, which is part of Choice Hotels. Ascends are all historic properties. We’re, of course, United Office Building – you can’t get more historic than this in Niagara Falls.

“It’s just wonderful that Ellicott Development brought the United Office Building back to life as The Giacomo, for future generations to be able to enjoy.”

The building is marketed to both tourists and locals. It offers overnight accommodations as well as 24 upscale apartments – many of which overlook Niagara Falls and the downtown business district.

The Giacomo is located at 222 First St. For more information, visit https://thegiacomo.com/.