Where Craftsmanship and History Converge in Every step
Empire Stairworks was founded in 2022, built upon the longstanding legacy of a historic lumber yard in Holley, N.Y., originally known as N.L. Cole: Lumber, Coal, and Wood. For well over a century, this location has served the community as a trusted source for lumber, building materials, and architectural woodwork.
The story began during the Civil War era, when Nerville Cole established a thriving lumber yard to serve local builders. A respected craftsman and two-time mayor, Cole recognized the growing demand for accessible materials and quality millwork. His commitment to craftsmanship and community laid the foundation for generations of growth at this historic site.
As the demands of the building industry evolved, so did the focus of this historic location. Growing need for specialized millwork and precision stair components led to the formation of a dedicated operation centered exclusively on staircase systems and engineered stair parts.
That evolution became Empire Stairworks. A company built to serve builders, contractors, and lumber industry professionals with dependable, production-ready stair solutions throughout Western New York.
Today, Empire Stairworks carries forward generations of craftsmanship while operating with a modern manufacturing mindset. We prioritize accuracy, structural integrity, efficient turnaround times, and consistent quality across every order. Our systems are designed to integrate seamlessly into the workflow of today’s construction professionals.
Under the leadership of Gina Klips, Empire Stairworks is committed to precision manufacturing, operational excellence, and delivering stair solutions our partners can rely on project after project.
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.