New York Construction Report staff writer
Thirty-one development projects across Grand Gorge, Roxbury, Groton, Hammondsport, and Urbana are moving forward with $20 million from New York State’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) and NY Forward programs.
The initiatives target community-identified priorities and support walkable neighborhoods, restored landmarks, and job growth in the Southern Tier.
Roxbury & Grand Gorge (13 Projects, $9.7 Million – DRI Round 7)
- Grand Gorge Civic Center & Fields ($2.82M): Facility upgrades, new HVAC, accessible bathrooms, roof and window replacement, plus field improvements.
- Downtown Sidewalks and Streetscapes ($1.5M): Critical sidewalk repairs and replacements in both hamlets.
- Historic Reed Hotel Redevelopment ($1.125M): Restores landmark hotel for commercial and office use.
- Catskill Scenic Trail Expansion ($1.11M): Enhances rail trail and connects to Roxbury Train Depot.
- Student Housing at the Inn at Kirkside ($750K): Creates housing for a hospitality incubator.
- Downtown Small Project Fund ($600K): Matching grants for building facades, signage, interiors.
- Shephard Hills Golf Course Renovations ($563K): Adds pavilion, lake access, and interpretive signage.
- Branding and Marketing Campaign ($300K): New signage, website, print materials, and social media.
- Roxbury Arts Center Expansion ($292K): Improves accessibility and enables year-round programming.
- 53530 Route 30 Mixed-Use Renovation ($239K): Retail, residential, and entrepreneurial space.
- Yoga Retreat Cabin Expansion ($180K): Adds short-term cabin rentals with shared bathhouse.
- Roxbury Liberal Arts Building Renovation ($120K): Gallery, kitchen, and outdoor deck upgrades.
- Animation Studio Carriage House Expansion ($101K): Creates stop-motion studio and offices.
Groton (12 Projects, $4.5 Million – NY Forward Round 2)
- Groton Hotel Restoration ($953K): Reopens landmark as bar, restaurant, and lodging.
- Village Green & Stage Pavilion ($217K): Converts parking lot into public performance space.
- Owasco Inlet Trail & Bridge ($294K): Adds dog park, viewing platforms, and new pedestrian connections.
- 184 Main Street Housing ($709K): Converts mixed-use building to new apartments.
- Good Neighbor Grocery Expansion ($257K): Adds deck, greenhouse, and event space.
- Small Business Fund ($334K): Grants to support local business growth and storefronts.
- Former Rooming House Conversion ($136K): Creates new downtown apartments.
- Firehouse Market Square ($416K): Transforms former firehouse into public event space with EV chargers.
- Baker Miller Lumber Expansion ($239K): Adds loading dock and storage facility.
- Historic Building Renovation ($200K): Restores structure and upgrades apartments.
- Groton Historical Building Upgrade ($260K): Improves ADA access, exhibits, HVAC.
- Groton Athletic Performance Center Expansion ($485K): Adds flooring, solar lighting, new roof, and parking.
Hammondsport & Urbana (6 Projects, $4.5 Million – NY Forward Round 2)
- Liberty and Mill Streets Redesign ($1.606M): Improves pedestrian access and stormwater drainage.
- Champlin Beach Pier Replacement ($1.357M): Rebuilds lakeside pier to enhance boating and waterfront use.
- Curtiss School Redevelopment ($885K): Transforms historic building into housing and public space.
- Branding & Historic Heritage Trail ($362K): Establishes wayfinding and tourism materials.
- Coffee Shop at Former Service Station ($172K): Creates bike-friendly café and rest stop.
- 31 Shethar Street Renovation ($118K): Adds egress and renovations to support restaurant, bar, and wine cellar.
All funded projects were selected through public planning processes, including Local Planning Committees and Strategic Implementation Plans. Communities were required to earn New York’s “Pro-Housing Community” designation to qualify, reflecting the state’s push to link economic development with housing availability.
