If you look at the average suburban subdivision, all you see is an endless succession of blank, white, paneled garage doors, and it's just not inviting. Andy Hodenius has heard similar views from many customers since he started On-Track Garage Door Services in July 2005. Customers have read about the growing focus on garages in home architecture and have inquired about upgrading from their stamped steel doors. "Garage doors usually face front, making up to 30 percent of the curb appeal, and often are the most-used entrances to the home," Hodenius said. He added that, for decades, the garage door has been seen only as functional rather than an integral part of the home's; architecture and overall beauty.

Hodenius sees a promising market in this area for the old-fashioned carriage-house style door and is building them in his shop on Canal Road near Spencerport. With his partner, Brent Zagata, he designs and hand crafts custom doors simulating the classic carriage door that once opened to the family buggy or the village fire wagon. The American carriage house door, popular around 1880 to 1920, was crafted from wood in vertical panels that would slide or swing open with hand-forged iron hardware. Hodenius custom makes the carriage door with variations on the classic design to complement a home's particular architecture. Behind the period design is a modern overhead door system that opens the door in the familiar three horizontal sections.

Hodenius is a life-long resident of Brockport. A Brockport native, Zagata was a contractor in the south for many years, building custom homes.

June 17, 2007