Governor Andrew Cuomo announced 13 projects in Schenectady that will create connections between the city’s growing downtown and waterfront developments, transform existing buildings to create mixed-used spaces, and enhance the local arts scene.
The project will be funded through Schenectady’s $10 million award through the Downtown Revitalization Initiative.
Schenectady was named Round 4 winner in November 2019. The focus of the projects is on making connections between the city’s growing downtown and waterfront development. This includes pedestrian, vehicular, and biking connections integrated with wayfinding and signage. The projects also prioritize new mixed-use development projects to attract new businesses, jobs, and activity along Erie Boulevard, a major connector between these growing areas.
Projects funded through the initiative will:
Transform Underutilized Blocks Near State and Clinton St.s – $2,750,000: Transformative redevelopment of three underutilized city blocks into a mixed-use development featuring 90-plus apartments, 5,000-sq.-ft. of retail space, 50,000 sq. ft. of medical office space, and parking through adaptive reuse of existing buildings and new construction.
Renovate Historic Structures for Adaptive Reuse, Alchemy Urban Playground – $300,000: Renovate two buildings on Erie Boulevard to create four art studios for local artists, a retail gallery, an event space, and two maker/ training spaces. Focus on skills training for minorities and youth.
Improve Facades and Structures Along Key Corridors – $600,000: Facade improvement fund will enhance existing buildings in three corridors including Lower State St., Lafayette St., and Little Italy.
Complete Building Improvements for SEAT Workforce Training Center – $428,000: Complete façade and site improvements to finish an extensive building renovation that will house the SEAT Workforce Training Center for Young Adults.
Renovate Former Cohn Building to Create New Retail and Office Space – $425,000: Renovate a vacant building into a mixed-use space with ground floor retail and second floor of office and create 28 new parking spaces nearby.
Extend North Jay St. and Improve Maxon Rd. – $2,000,000: Extend North Jay St. from its dead-end northeast to the intersection of Nott St. and Maxon Rd., creating a new connection between downtown and Mohawk Harbor.
Install New Lighting Along Clinton St and North BRd.way – $875,000: Replace existing St. lighting with energy-efficient LED lighting capable of also supporting ‘smart city’ technology. Clinton St. between State St. and Franklin St. and North BRd.way between State St. and Union St.
Extend the Alco Heritage Trail and Construct the Empire State Trail Gateway – $760,000: Extend the Alco Heritage Trail from its existing terminus at River St. to Front St. Park. Install an informational kiosk and small plaza area at Mohawk Harbor as a gateway to the New York State Empire Trail that provides wayfinding and tourism information.
Improve City Hall Square and Jay St. Traffic Circulation – $425,000: Public square Improvements around city hall and conversion of Jay St. to two-way traffic between city hall and Union St..
Reopen and Upgrade the Alco Tunnel Trail – $350,000: Improve an existing tunnel with lighting and connecting paths to allow for pedestrian and cyclist connections between Erie Boulevard and Jay St./Mohawk Hudson Bikeway.
Install Public Art Throughout Downtown – $287,000: Multi-faceted public art initiative to create and install murals, interactive art pieces, sculptural seating, and a historic statue.
Upgrade the Jay St. Pedestrian Walkway – $250,000: Public space, lighting, and drainage improvements to support local businesses along this popular walkway.
Improve Signage and Wayfinding – $250,000: Install new signage to guide residents and visitors through the study area, highlighting historical and cultural destinations.
