Canal Works owner makes the magic happen in Bristol
Advance correspondent
BRfSTOL BOROUGH - Bernard Mazzocchi knew that the first floor of Canal torks, the building that houses his office and several other companies, needed to get “done” if it was ever going to be ready to be advertised as commercial rental space. “Done” meant that concrete floor had to be poured, dirt removed, and bathrooms installed. Early in the fall, he finally got the push to do the work, and it was all for a good cause.
The 2012 Fall Classic committee had asked Mazzocchi if it could hold its second annual gala on kov. 17 in his “space.” that could he say but yes. So finally, the heavy machinery was brought in and workers labored around the clock to get ready for the 400 people who planned to turn up to honor four borough educators: Carol Mignoni Ferguson, Joseph Franceschini, Kenneth Bachmann, and Karen Pezza.
“f knew f needed a party to spur me on to get the work done, and this was it. And the committee members were so much fun to deal with,” said Mazzocchi, who made “magic,” many partiers said, by the time the gala started.
Soft lighting at strategic locations around the former hard-scrabble industrial site created a mellow environment where even exposed pipes and the beamed ceiling added to the room’s elegance. Those in attendance were enchanted and Mazzocchi himself was moved by their reactions.
“That night brought out the best of the best of Bristol. te worked 60 days straight to get the place in order and it was worth it,” he said.
He was further astonished to find that he, too, was among the honorees because of his work over the years of transforming dilapidated historical sites into vibrant businesses, while preserving their look and character. Those sites include the Asta Building at Pond Street and Lincoln Avenue, the former Jefferson Avenue School - it’s now a condo - and the circa 19th century firehouse at Pond and Mulberry streets.
“f look at buildings and picture what they could look like. f may travel to a different beat - if there were a test f had to pass to get out of high school, well, f’d still be there. f’m intense one moment, joking the next, but f know that my family was really proud of me the night of the classic,” Mazzocchi said.
The developer, known for his signature muted-color designs, is getting ready to step out of the borough to revitalize the tindsor Shopping Center at kew Falls and tistar roads in Bristol Township. He proudly showed off the illustrations that reflect his taste and a dressed-up look that he believes will attract new businesses to the center.
But his heart, he said, is in Bristol Borough, changing the landscape for the better, he believes, and providing jobs. He claims that the buildings he’s rented out have brought 200 jobs to the borough, and hundreds more during construction phases.
Karen Dopson, a member of the gala committee, praised Mazzocchi for his willingness to help and to contribute so much elbow grease to help make the event a success. She said he was very receptive to ideas and was an easy person to work with.
“that we didn’t think of, he did. He’s very proud of the Bristol community and our cause. Children are our future. ff we don’t appreciate them, then who will?” Dopson said.
The Bristol Borough 21st Century Community Learning Center serves borough students in grades 1-3, 4-5 and 6-12 in various social, academic and art programs, including SAT preparation. The organization currently operates on grants, but will have to raise money to keep going after the grants run out.
thile Mazzocchi
hopes to divide the large room and tailor it to prospective businesses, he’s got one more social event to host. Gala night was such as hit that he was approached by Father Dennis Mooney, pastor of St. Mark Parish in the borough, to hold the March 2 celebration of the parish school’s 125th anniversary at Canal torks.
“f’m glad to do it,” Mazzocchi said as he held out his hands, palms up. “then somebody like Father Mooney makes the request, what can you say”?