Press release sent by Thoma Development Consultants.
The City of Cortland has awarded $540,000 in funding to 11 projects as part of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative. The City was awarded the $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) in 2017. $600,000 of that funding was set aside for a Building Redevelopment Program to fund smaller projects in the DRI area. The Building Redevelopment Program is administered through NYS Homes and Community Renewal.
The DRI Building Redevelopment Program provides matching grants up to $60,000 or 75% of the project cost, whichever is less. Smaller grants were also available for façade lighting. The grants are reimbursements that are paid to property owners upon completion of the project. Two façade lighting projects and nine building redevelopment projects were awarded funding. Construction on the first projects may begin this fall, but the majority of work will be completed during the 2021 construction season.
According to Mayor Tobin, “The City is excited to assist these properties as part of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative. These smaller projects have the potential to be as impactful as larger DRI projects and will support a number of downtown businesses. The next 12 to 24 months will be very exciting ones for Cortland as all of the DRI projects come to fruition”.
Projects funded through the DRI Building Redevelopment Program include:
Building Redevelopment
- 50 Main St (Seven Valley Crossfit). - Awarded $60,000 towards a $109,000 project to redesign the façade to match the historic character of the downtown, along with new lighting; new roof; hvac system, and minor interior renovations.
- 37-39 Central Ave. (Central Hair Studio) - Awarded $60,000 towards an $88,000 project including the creation of a new one-bedroom accessible apartment, replacement of storefront windows; and other interior and exterior improvements.
- 37 Tompkins St. (1890 House) - Awarded $60,000 towards an $80,000 project to restore the 1890 House’s carriage house including a new roof; repaired windows and trim; repaired siding, and new paint.
- 35 Main St. - Awarded $58,000 towards a $100,000 project to complete façade improvements including masonry repair and painting; and commercial improvements to restore the former bank lobby to its original appearance.
- 10-12 Main St. (Community Restaurant) - Awarded $58,000 towards a $128,000 project to undertake façade improvements including new paint, awnings, siding, and windows.
- 33 Main St. (NY Bagel)- Awarded $50,000 towards a $133,000 project to install new storefront facades; new windows; and exterior paint.
- 77-79 Main St. - Awarded $60,000 towards a $138,000 project to restore the front façade to a more historic appearance, including removal of brick from the storefront, signboard restoration, façade lighting; and other repairs to the primary facade.
- 54 Main St. (Deli Downtown) - Awarded $55,000 towards a $73,000 project to add new exterior paint; new roof; new HVAC system; new signage; new lighting, and new interior commercial and residential work.
- 130-136 Main St. (Ricon Hispano) - Awarded $59,000 towards a $116,000 project to undertake structural repairs to the cornice and parapet; repoint masonry; repair windows; and install new awnings over the storefronts.
Façade Lighting
- 1 North Main St. and 2 Main St. - Both of these projects were awarded $10,000 towards the lighting of the façades of these historic downtown buildings.
