Where Craftsmanship and History Converge in Every step
Celebrating 145 years of crafting excellence, Empire Stairworks emerges from the rich legacy of a historic lumber yard in Holley, N.Y., originally known as N.L. Cole: Lumber, Coal, and Wood. Since the late 1800s, this location has been a hub for the development and manufacturing of superior architectural woodwork. Today, our dedicated craftsmen continue the tradition, transforming the visions of our wholesalers into reality with secure, reasonably priced, and quality stair solutions.
The journey began during the Civil War, with a visionary dream of a "thriving lumber yard." Nerville Cole, a two-time mayor and a luminary in carpentry and masonry, followed in his father's footsteps to establish the best custom millwork in the region. Recognizing the shortage of material parts for local builders, he made it a priority to create an accessible lumber yard for the community.
In 2015, co-owners Gina and Dan Klips of Stockham Lumber enthusiastically embraced innovation, setting forth on a new venture to complement the lumber yard. Fast forward to 2022, and Empire Stairworks has emerged, extending inviting purchasing opportunities to lumber dealers across western New York, with a focus on delivering exceptional staircase solutions.
As a family-owned business, our philosophy is rooted in both timeless wisdom and an open-minded approach. We actively seek collaboration and input from lumber yard dealers, recognizing the value of diverse perspectives. Our skilled expertise is not just about creating beautiful staircases; it's about building partnerships that contribute to the collective success of our industry. Join us as we navigate this dynamic landscape, fostering connections and shaping the future of custom millwork together.
Work with us
We hope you have a long and successful journey working with us. Become a part of our success and start building your custom staircase today.