A $683,700 mixed-used building project has been completed in the heart of the Owego.
Funded in part with $10 million awarded from the downtown revitalization initiative in 2018, the renovation of a blighted, vacant building will create a new concept of a vibrant marketplace with indoor/outdoor gathering space and creating upper-story housing.
Led by the Empire State Development, the project received $439,000 from the Department of State’s DRI program to renovate both the interior and exterior of a building located on 229 North Avenue. The restoration included the redesign of the first floor, new electrical and plumbing systems, new floors, walls and renovations to the patio.
“From vacancy to vibrancy, Owego’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative transformed a vacant, deteriorating building into a real community asset in the heart of downtown,” said Secretary of State Robert J. Rodriguez. “New places like the Donut & Beer Co. have a meaning beyond their bricks and mortar, and the revitalization of this legacy building with commercial and residential offerings will be key to the prosperity of Owego.
“One more time, the Downtown Revitalization Initiative is the key that creates new life into buildings to usher in new eras for downtowns throughout New York.”
The facility went through a complete renovation from a blighted building that housed an old grocery store into a 6,000 sq. ft. multi-use space that now is the Donut & Beer Co., a modern place that offers a self-serve beer wall, rotating craft, street foods, small marketplace and indoor/outdoor gathering space.
The second floor will offer 2,500 sq. ft. residential property which features two apartments.
The Village of Owego was awarded $10 million by the Department of State after being nominated a Round 3 Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) winner by the Southern Tier Regional Economic Development Council. This project, selected from Owego’s Strategic Investment Plan, plays a key role in transforming the downtown and supporting a vibrant local economy.
