Governor Cuomo Announces Transformational Projects for Lockport as Part of $10 Million Downtown Revitalization Initiative Award

Statement

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced 10 transformational projects for Lockport as part of the $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative award. The strategic investments in Lockport encompass rehabilitation and redevelopment of several iconic buildings and historic areas, including the Erie Canal, F&M Building, Cornerstone CFCU Arena, and Harrison place, as well as small businesses and services supporting the local community. The investments are part of the Governor's ongoing efforts to revitalize the upstate economy and create more opportunities for Western New York.

"Through the Downtown Revitalization Initiative, Lockport will be able to secure significant upgrades in housing, transit, and community spaces, along with new business opportunities." Governor Cuomo said. "Western New York has seen unprecedented development in recent years, and with these targeted investments we are empowering communities to make further improvements that benefit the residents and visitors."

"I was proud to represent the people of Lockport as a member of Congress and I know how important our Downtown Revitalization Initiative will be for the future of this unique Canal community," said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul, who made today's announcement. "The $10 million in funding will allow Lockport to advance transformational projects which will improve quality of life for residents, create jobs, and help draw even more visitors to experience the history and heritage of the Erie Canal and Niagara County. This targeted state investment is part of our ongoing efforts to improve the economy of Western New York."

Lockport was named a DRI Round 3 winner in October 2018. The City of Lockport is a unique canal community anchored by a growing, progressive downtown district and a long-established tourism destination. The city's walkable 15-block central business district has several iconic buildings that are either vacant or underutilized and represent high-potential economic development opportunities, especially for a blend of affordable and market-rate housing. Recent public investment has already driven private developer interest in downtown properties, leading to significant improvements, such as the renovation of the blighted 57 Canal Street property into a bustling epicenter that hosts numerous community events. The DRI award will unlock the downtown's full potential by enhancing corridors from residential neighborhoods into the heart of downtown with revitalized buildings, attractive storefronts, and residential options - providing a walkable, livable, and sustainable community in which residents and visitors alike can take pride.

The specific projects to be funded through the DRI include:

Rehabilitate the Spalding Mill Building and Site: Implement improvements to the Spalding Mill building and adjacent grounds to reactivate downtown Lockport with a tourist and community destination celebrating the history of the mill and the Erie Canal. The project will be a public-private partnership between Historic Lockport Mill Race and the City of Lockport and will include a new rooftop venue, flexible outdoor event space, a hillside amphitheater, and ADA accessible improvements to the surrounding site, laying the groundwork for access to future trail projects.

Breathe New Life into the Historic Post Office: Rehabilitate the underutilized Historic Post Office to create space for existing and emerging businesses, drawing activity to the downtown area, promoting future investment, and preserving the singular character of Lockport. The project will include interior and exterior rehabilitation to accommodate a restaurant or event space, a coffee shop, a boutique shop, and office space.

Rehabilitate the F&M Building as a Mixed-Use Development: Transform the vacant historical Farmers & Mechanics (F&M) Building, the tallest structure in downtown Lockport, and the adjacent Mall Building into a mixed-use development with ground-floor commercial space and upper-story residential units. This will provide opportunities for residents to live, work, and play downtown and will serve as a symbol of Lockport's revitalization. The project includes the replacement of electrical, mechanical, and plumbing systems; conversion of the F&M Building's upper stories into market rate apartments; renovation of the F&M Building's first floor for retail, office, or commercial use; and repurposing of a portion of the Mall Building into covered parking.

Expand Harrison Place as a Business Community Hub: Continue the restoration of Harrison Place as a Western New York Innovation Hot Spot, a hub for entrepreneurial development, small business support, and community, through the addition of a food hall incubator, the build-out of micro offices, and the development of inviting shared spaces for community use.

Install Streetscape Enhancements on Pine Street: Create safer, clearer, and more attractive vehicular and pedestrian routes along Pine Street to enhance connectivity between Main Street and downtown destinations, transforming the area into a collection of walkable and accessible neighborhoods. Proposed improvements include the reconfiguration of the intersection between Pine Street, Lock Street, and Gooding Street to accommodate defined vehicular lanes and a community greenspace; installation of bump outs, highly-visible crosswalks, and ADA-accessible curb ramps; installation of planters and banner poles along the Pine Street Bridge; installation of benches, bike racks, and greenery along the Pine Street Corridor; and use of porous concrete sidewalks.

Transform a Historic Landmark into a Mixed-Use Destination: Convert the former Tuscarora Club into a mixed-use facility with restaurant, bar, and event space along with residential units featuring both short-and long-term leases. The project will create a community and tourist destination, provide accommodations for Lockport visitors, and energize an underutilized stretch of Walnut Street.

Complete the Restoration of the Historic Palace Theatre: Complete the final phase of the Historic Palace Theatre's restoration and carry out complementary finishing touches, expanding the theatre's capacity to host larger audiences and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the building as a performing arts venue and center for arts education. The project includes installation of a new stage rigging system, renovations to the orchestra pit, restoration and addition of seats, roof replacement, installation of a solar panel system, and addition of box seat amenities.

Establish a Small Project Grant Fund Program: Establish a grant program for the redevelopment, rehabilitation, or historic preservation of vacant or underutilized properties in the DRI area, enabling the continued use of existing structures, improving the appearance of downtown, and drawing activity to the area. Examples of improvements covered under the grant fund include interior and exterior renovations; capital improvements including the purchase of machinery and equipment; mechanical, electrical, and plumbing infrastructure for vacant spaces within existing buildings; demolition of an existing unrepairable building and construction of new building; and signage.

Create a Lock Tender Tribute on the Steps of the Erie Canal: Launch the creation of a fourteen-figure monument on the steps of the Erie Canal between Locks 70 and 71 that recreates the scene captured in a historic C.J. Lewis photograph and celebrates the human aspect of canal life in Lockport's history. DRI funding will support the design, execution and installation of five bronze sculptures and the restoration of the stone steps on the Erie Canal.

Install Streetscape Enhancements on South Street: Implement streetscape improvements on South Street to create a safe environment for all modes of transportation and facilitate access to downtown Lockport from surrounding residential neighborhoods and employment hubs. Examples of proposed improvements include enhanced pedestrian crossings, defined on-street parking, and additional amenities such as greenery, benches, and bike racks.

Lockport developed a Strategic Investment Plan to revitalize its downtown with $300,000 in planning funds from the $10 million DRI grant. A Local Planning Committee made up of municipal representatives, community leaders, and other stakeholders led the effort, supported by a team of private sector experts and state planners. The Strategic Investment Plan for Lockport examined local assets and opportunities and identified economic development, transportation, housing, and community projects that align with the community's vision for downtown revitalization and that are poised for implementation.

The DRI projects are the latest example of Governor Cuomo's ongoing commitment to Lockport and Western New York.

New York State Secretary of State Rossana Rosado said, "Lockport is well-positioned to benefit from the Downtown Revitalization Initiative. These projects, which amplify the downtown's assets and strengths, will drive further investment and bring even more visitors, businesses and residents to the community, which is a must-see in Western New York."

Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Howard Zemsky said, "The DRI is working to transform downtown Lockport and other downtowns across New York State into vibrant city centers, growing local economies through targeted, community-led projects that will encourage new investments and opportunities."

New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, "Through Governor Cuomo's Downtown Revitalization Initiative, these community-led, targeted investments help ensure that municipalities such as Lockport receive the financial support that produces real results. This $10 million award will spur much-needed improvements in housing, commerce and infrastructure that will benefit the city for years to come."

Senator Robert G. Ortt said, "The Downtown Revitalization Initiative offers opportunities for Lockport to continue to develop by creating opportunities for businesses to reach their full economic potential. These projects help continue growth in Lockport and will bring more people into the community."

Assembly Member Michael J. Norris said, "We thank Governor Cuomo for his extraordinary vision of creating economic growth in communities across the state and the City of Lockport, in particular. The Downtown Revitalization Initiative will help continue the redevelopment momentum in the city and make it a great tourism destination in New York."

Western New York Regional Economic Development Council Co-Chair and SolEpoxy President Jeff Belt said, "Following the DRI's smart-growth principles, these projects focus on properties and land around the Erie Canal. Lockport will benefit from property redevelopment and corridor enhancement that will draw more residents and tourists to downtown."

Niagara County Legislature Chairman Keith McNall said, "Thanks to Governor Cuomo's $10 million in Downtown Revitalization funding Lockport will continue its transformation into a vibrant community full of business and residential options. This funding will not only help the City of Lockport but the entire region as more people come to our community to experience all the region has to enjoy."

Lockport Mayor Michelle Roman said, "The City of Lockport has a wonderful history. These projects will help our downtown take that history and bring it into the future. We look forward to build on the foundation of renewal and revitalization of this great downtown where businesses and where families will grow and prosper."

For more information on the Downtown Revitalization Initiative, go to: www.ny.gov/programs/downtown-revitalization-initiative.

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