RENSSELAER, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- A Rensselaer masonry manufacturing business was inducted into the New York State Historic Business Preservation Registry on Tuesday. Zappala Block, located on Broadway and Fifth Avenue, was founded in 1922 by Italian immigrant Salvatore Zappala.

The state's historic business preservation registry recognizes New York businesses that have been operating for at least 50 years and has made a mark on their community's history and identity. Zappala Block marks one of two businesses in Rensselaer to receive the distinction, according to the registry website.

"We've started [the registry] off primarily with where people go to eat," said state assemblymember John McDonald. "But the truth of the matter is, those buildings aren't built without companies like Zappala. Th

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