Gov. Andrew Cuomo has announced the list of transformational projects for Potsdam and Hornell as part of their $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative awards.
The eight projects in Potsdam and the 19 projects in Hornell will help to redevelop and repurpose underutilized buildings, improve streetscapes, and support downtown and local businesses.
Potsdam – North Country Region
Potsdam was named a round 4 winner in October 2019. The village will enhance waterfront amenities, improve streetscapes and pedestrianization.
Projects funded through the initiative will:
Relocate and Expand Potsdam Food Co-op – $1,659,000: Business expansion of the food co-op, including the acquisition of new property, renovation, equipment, and marketing.
Expand the North Country Children’s Museum – $1,400,000: Business expansion of the children’s museum into the second floor, including basement-and first-floor renovations to accommodate an elevator.
Establish a Fund to Rebuild Downtown Potsdam – $750,000: The revolving grant and loan fund will include rent assistance, main street renovation, a quick-start grant program, and COVID-19-related capital improvements.
Expand the Clarkson Inn – $600,000: Building expansion of the Clarkson Inn to add 20 rooms, meeting space, fitness room, and renovate its furniture and fixtures.
Revitalize the North Country Arts Center – $578,000: Acquisition and exterior/interior renovation for the new North Country Arts Center,including windows, floors, restrooms, walls, elevator and equipment for a printmaking studio.
Expand the Sandstone Diner – $118,000: Business expansion of Scoops ice cream into a 1940s/50s-themed seasonal diner serving breakfast and lunch with outdoor seating.
Enhance the Downtown Streetscape – $2,780,000: Streetscape improvements in the Market Street Historic District, including intersection and safety improvements, street lighting, trees, wayfinding and bioretention.
Construct a Downtown Riverwalk Trail – $1,815,000: Construction of a looped multi-modal trail along the Raquette River, including a pocket park, shared use path, mural walk and new bike lanes on Maple St. The trail will connect to existing multi-modal connections downtown.
Hornell – Southern Tier Region
Hornell was named a round 4 winner in October 2019. Located on the western border of Steuben County, the city has a rich history as a regional commercial center. The funding will help the city improve public areas,including pedestrian connections, streetscapes, and parks. Additional improvements include the redevelopment of underutilized buildings and enhancement of arts and cultural offerings. The city will strengthen existing local and regional assets, create long-term value to support future generations, and provide an inclusive and sustainable downtown experience for residents, workers, students and visitors.
Projects funded through the initiative will:
Transform the Landman Building into Retail, Residential and Community Space – $1,500,000: Renovation of the existing building willcreate a mixed-use development, including four efficiency art studios, commercial and retail space, six apartment units, four townhomes and a rooftop terrace area and community room.
Renovate 121 Main St. as Maple City Savings Bank Offices – $580,000: Renovation of the building into 12 offices, a reception area, conference rooms, an IT room, two bathrooms and a small kitchen for Maple City Savings. Phase 2 includes the development of an additional 5,000 square feet of prime office space.
Develop STEM Academy to Educate Youth in Technology Fields – $423,750: Development of a 2,900-sq.-ft. building to house a state-of-the-art STEM education facility for area youth. The project includes a building demolition, site work, building the structure, and HVAC work, in addition to design, permitting and code compliance.
Renovate and Expand the Crossroads Professional Building and Site – $420,000: Renovation and rehabilitation of the existing building to expand its medical office space. Renovate and create new outdoor space on the adjacent private property, following the demolition of an existing structure.
Renovate the Burdett Building to Introduce Market-Rate Apartments – $300,000: Renovation of building’s second floor to create three apartments, façade improvements, and upgrades to its first-floor entry.
Complete Rehabilitation of the Historic St. Ann’s Federation Building – $250,350: Complete the renovation of an existing rear façade to include a roof, entry doors, exterior lighting and building signage. The project includes the renovation of a vacant 7,500-sq.-ft. first-floor interior commercial space.
Transform Hornell Community Arts Center into a Sought-After Community Space – $200,000: Transform the community arts center through interior and exterior building enhancements, including building signage, façade improvements, landscaping, a new entry and restroom upgrades to make it ADA-compliant.
Renovate the Professional Building at 34 Broadway Mall – $143,690: Redesign and expand existing interior space to accommodate a state-of-the-art eye care facility. The project also includes façade improvements to bolster the building’s overall character.
Enhance the Mixed-use Building at 200-204 Main St. – $105,370: Façade and streetscape improvements near building with minor interior improvements and the creation of a one-bedroom unit in the rear of the existing commercial unit.
Rehabilitate the Exterior of a Downtown Fitness Center – $100,000: Rehabilitation of the existing fitness center building facade and shell to include façade painting and a new roof. Additional site improvements include landscaping, lighting, building signage and parking lot repair.
Convert a House into Church Street Suites – $98,480: Renovation and adaptive re-use of an existing vacant building to create six residential units for short and extended long term housing for business professionals, tourists and visitors.
Enhance and Upgrade 198 Main St. to Create Housing Units – $82,500: Renovation and rehabilitation of the existing 4,901-sq.-ft. building to create 3 to 4 residential units. Renovations include interior improvements and upgrades to all four floors.
Enhance the Warehouse into a Year-Round Event Space – $52,000: Installation of a heating system and new interior stairwell to upgrade the building for use as a year-round entertainment and event space. Install a fence that would allow views into the greenspace from Broadway.
Implement Downtown Grant Fund – $378,860: Establish a grant fund to assist downtown property owners with small projects to improve existing buildings/sites.
Implement Main Street Streetscape Enhancements – $2,800,000: Streetscape improvements to include a range of pedestrian and aesthetic enhancements, including decorative crosswalks, bump outs, streetscape furniture, and lighting upgrades along the length of Main Street within the designated area.
Implement Enhancements to Pedestrian Alleyways – $1,200,000: Enhancements to seven existing pedestrian alleyways connecting commercial corridors to public spaces and parking lots. These safety and aesthetic enhancements will help create a cohesive experience for visitors.
Redevelop an Underutilized Parcel to Create A Four-Season Park – $765,000: Creation of a new downtown park space for flexible programming and special events, including a raised stage, walkways, and pedestrian amenities.
Implement Downtown Wayfinding and Public Art – $250,000: Implement a comprehensive wayfinding system to provide directional guidance to downtown destinations and public parking facilities. Incorporate public art into the streetscape to enhance the wayfinding experience.
Establish Downtown Design Standards – $50,000: Development of building and site standards to ensure high quality rehabilitation and new construction projects consistent with established character of downtown.
