Stepping Stones Buys Former Chase-Pitkin Site for New Campus

Stepping Stones, a nonprofit serving over 500 children and youth since 1994, has purchased a 55,000-square-foot former Chase-Pitkin Home & Garden building for its new headquarters. The organization previously operated from a former school building in Irondequoit. The purchase, funded by the "Campaign for Kids," positions Stepping Stones for a fall construction start and a grand opening coinciding with its 20th anniversary in the 2014–2015 school year.

About Stepping Stones

The organization provides special education, speech, occupational, physical, and music therapies, plus universal pre-K, autism support, psychological services, social work, respite care, behavioral services, and Medicaid coordination.

Chase-Pitkin's Legacy

Chase-Pitkin, a $200 million, 15-store chain in upstate New York, thrived by excelling in the commercial market alongside DIY retail. Under CEO Bill Strassburg, it equipped salespeople with proprietary software on handheld devices—instant inventory, pricing, and order history access—enabling face-to-face service that big-box competitors couldn't match. Stores averaged 50,000 sq. ft., smaller than national chains but highly efficient.

While Chase-Pitkin's remodeling centers offered elaborate kitchen and bath displays, the chain ultimately couldn't sustain against national competitors. Stepping Stones' acquisition repurposes the space for community-focused care—a fitting next chapter.