Governor Hochul announces 10 “transformational” projects for Tupper Lake as part of $10 million DRI

Governor Kathy Hochul Wednesday announced 10 what have been described as “transformational” projects in the Village of Tupper Lake as part of the $10 million Downtown Initiative Award, first announced late last year. These projects will improve downtown public spaces and streetscapes and expand commercial, residential, entertainment and recreational opportunities in the Village's waterfront Uptown District, according to the Governor in her announcement.

There was considerable excitement in town early last week that Governor Hochul was expected to make the announcement in person but high winds that day prevented the new Governor from appearing here at Tupper Arts as planned. The plan had been for her to arrive by helicopter from Whitehall, where she had an earlier meeting that day.

Secretary of State Robert Rodriguez came in her place to deliver the wonderful news to this community.

"With revitalized waterfront trails, expanded housing options, and even a new brewery, Tupper Lake is shaping up to be a four-season, must-visit destination in New York," Governor Hochul said. "While we are already seeing the benefits to communities across the North Country, I am excited to continue our investment in small businesses and the upstate economy."

According to the Governor’s announcement, “Tupper Lake is a resurgent Adirondack community that aims to make the community a nationally-recognized, vibrant, four-season Adirondack destination through the ongoing revitalization of their compact, mixed-use, walkable, waterfront uptown business district. The village, which is located on the easternmost shore of Raquette Pond, originated as a logging and timber center in the late 1800s. Now, Raquette Pond and the surrounding forests attract tourists and outdoor recreation enthusiasts who contribute to the local economy and downtown businesses. The DRI awards will enhance tourist amenities, improve the streetscape and inter-connectivity among various destinations and create significant new housing, commercial and entertainment options.”

The investments are part of the Governor's ongoing efforts to revitalize the upstate economy and create more opportunities within the North Country. The DRI is led by the Department of State providing technical assistance as each participating community develops a strategic investment plan identifying specific projects with a unique vision for the revitalization of the downtown area.

The specific projects to be funded through the DRI support several goals and strategies contained in the community's strategic investment plan, such as expanded housing options; improved walkability and streetscape connectivity; and increased arts, cultural, entertainment and recreational opportunities by supporting small businesses. The $9.7 million state investment in these projects through the DRI will leverage an estimated $55 million in additional public and private sector investments as the revitalization process proceeds and builds momentum.

In September the Tupper Lake planning committee of the DRI program had submitted 17 possible projects for funding, all of which had been vetted by the committee. The final decision and the selection of the ten was done by state officials and consultants working on Tupper’s DRI.

The ten local projects that made the final cut were:

Redeveloping the Fletcher & Sons company’s buildings into what will be called Oval Lofts. The DRI Award is $2.5 million.

The project will rehabilitate the current Fletcher & Sons Company’s property, part of the former Oval Wood Dish Factory site. The certified historic redevelopment will feature approximately 70 apartments with on-site tenant amenities including parking, a fitness center, community space, outdoor garden and grills and include a first-floor commercial/retail space.

Right next to it is the redevelopment of the former Oval Wood Dish Corp. factory site on Demars Blvd. The DRI award is $1.95 million.

This project will redevelop the OWD factory to include workforce housing, co-working space and a new production facility for Raquette River Brewery.

The third project announcement is also about needed housing and involves a new multi-family housing project in Tupper Lake The DRI award is $725,000.

This project sponsored by the Northern Forest Center will renovate three high-visibility, multi-unit residential properties, including the former Plaza Hotel on Upper Park Street, within the DRI boundary to create high-quality workforce housing. The project aims to retain talented members of the workforce by increasing the local supply of affordable rental housing, while improving aesthetics and public safety in the uptown zone.

A large portion of the DRI award- a public initiative through the village- is aimed at what is called “improved walkability and streetscape connectivity,” through sidewalk and other infrastructure improvements in the uptown target area.

It is called Enhancing The Uptown Streetscape. The DRI award is $2.495 million.

The goal is to enhance streetscape to tie together the uptown corridor, connecting Park Street, the proposed DRI private sector investments, and the district's scenic Adirondack waterfront setting. Improvements to the corridor's pedestrian and cycling experience include way-finding signs and other elements, lighting, street trees and benches to create a unified uptown streetscape aesthetic.

Another DRI project involved the total renovation of 70 Park Street. The DRI award is $110,000.

Jewelry creator Rachel King and her silversmith partner, Brandon Cooke, plan to completely renovate the two-story building across from Community Bank for first floor retail and second floor rental. The scope of work includes interior remodeling as well as exterior façade, siding, and deck work. Extensive siding work has already started on the building what was once Katie Raymond’s Liquor Store.

Another important piece of the DRI grant is called “Energize Uptown,” and its mission is to help spread the help across the entire uptown business district area. The DRI award is $600,000.

A new fund for matching grants will be created so many of the businesses in the uptown target area which did not apply for DRI funds, can apply to this special fund program intended for interior/exterior building improvements in the uptown district, as well as business assistance. The Franklin County Economic Development Agency will be helping to direct this program.

Another piece of the DRI fund is aimed at increasing arts, cultural, entertainment and recreational opportunities by supporting small business upgrades and enhancing Tupper Arts' presence on Park Street. The DRI award is $693,000.

This is Tupper Arts new plan to acquire and renovate the State Theatre, with insulation/HVAC/roof upgrades to the theatre and the Tupper Arts building next to it. The scope of work also includes façade and marquee upgrades to the exterior of the theatre building and stage/screen upgrades to the interior, which will result in an all-season indoor performance space. This will bring live theater to the community and perhaps the creation of a local community players group.

Another funded project in the DRI involves the upgrading and further expansion of Cory and Lilian Rohrbach’s Amado Restaurant and Amado Experience in its backyard. Their DRI award is $280,000.

The plan is for more interior and exterior improvements to the restaurant building at 10 Cliff Avenue and the adjacent property at 38 Lake Street, for restaurant expansion. Exterior improvements include façade enhancement to both structures as well as a covered walkway and landscaping upgrades. Interior improvements include the addition of a "live kitchen," with the associated upgrades to building electrical and plumbing systems.

Another funded project is called creating a Miniature Golf Destination. The DRI award is $199,000.

This is Jed and Julie Dukett’s project to create a seasonal miniature golf and ice cream business to operate between May and October on Demars Blvd., at the Santa Clara intersection.

The DRI money will also be used to creating a new brewery and taproom at 138 Park Street. The DRI award is $148,000.

Neil and Sara Kriwox intend to construct a new 850 square foot brewery and taproom with an outdoor beer garden between Little Italy and the Tupper Lake Free Press buildings, a recently cleared lot that for years was the site of the former Jenkins’ Storage.

The Governor’s announcement also carried applause from many local and state officials:

New York Secretary of State Robert J. Rodriguez said "This $10 million grant will build on the momentum in Tupper Lake to create a true four-season community. Tupper Lake's uptown district will become a local and regional economic driver, providing much needed housing, employment, and amenities that will put the community on a trajectory for success for years to come."

Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said "the Tri-Lakes are experiencing tremendous investment through the DRI and the upcoming World University Games, solidifying the North Country region as a world-class, year round destination. These strategic projects planned for Tupper Lake enhance connectivity between uptown and the waterfront and will increase opportunities through supporting small businesses, investing in placemaking, and expanding much-needed workforce housing."

New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said "the ten awarded projects in Tupper Lake will solidify the village's reputation as a regional tourist destination while also supporting the creation of three new residential properties to benefit those who call the village home. Through the Downtown Revitalization Initiative, New York is helping communities like Tupper Lake reach their full potential with strategic investments that produce quality housing, improve streetscapes, attract new businesses, and upgrade public facilities. Thanks to this successful initiative, New York is generating more vibrant downtown districts and building a stronger economy for the future."

State Senator Dan Stec said "the Tupper Lake is a vibrant community with a great deal of economic potential. The $10 million DRI funds will play a key role in expanding affordable housing and helping to grow the local economy. With this funding, Tupper Lake can continue to develop its tourism and recreational possibilities and become a key economic hub for years to come."

Assemblyman Billy Jones said this continued revitalization of the Village of Tupper Lakes's Uptown district is great news for the North Country and stressed the need to support housing, small business, arts and entertainment, and recreation. “This will continue to enhance the lives of the people who live there while also bringing in tourism to help the local economy. I want to congratulate everyone involved and their continued efforts and thank state and local officials and community members for realizing Tupper Lake's true potential."

Mayor Paul Maroun said Wednesday he believes "the ten projects announced today will boost our efforts to reinforce Tupper Lake as a four-season Adirondack community for year round activities. There is excitement surrounding these projects as they will energize the local economy and support our mission to make our downtown a vibrant destination to live and visit. Thank you to Governor Hochul for your continued support."

New York State's DRI, a cornerstone of its economic development program, transforms downtown neighborhoods into vibrant centers that offer a high quality of life and are magnets for redevelopment, business, job creation, and economic and housing diversity. Led by the Department of State with assistance from Empire State Development, Homes and Community Renewal and NYSERDA, the DRI represents an unprecedented and innovative "plan-then-act" strategy that couples strategic planning with immediate implementation and results in compact, walkable downtowns that are a key ingredient to helping New York State rebuild its economy from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as to achieving the state's bold climate goals by promoting the use of public transit and reducing dependence on private vehicles.