WATERTOWN DOWNTOWN

REVITALIZATION INITIATIVE

New Development &

Rehab of Existing Structures
PROJECT DESCRIPTIONS
A1 Masonic Temple Performing Arts Center
Continue building improvements that will ultimately lead to the
creation of a new Performing Arts Center.

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The Center would be located on the second and third levels of the building, and
the DRI funding request would fulfill the critical need for an elevator and new

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entrance meeting code requirements. Funds will also be used to restore the
exterior façade. Renovating the Masonic Temple will bring a unique mixed-use

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building to Downtown Watertown. It will provide Watertown with a restored
historic performance and event space, and other commercial spaces that can be
$1,200,000 adapted to various uses. The historic restoration of the building will enhance the
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aesthetic character of Downtown’s built environment, which is geared toward
historic preservation and adaptive reuse of existing structures. The new Masonic
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Temple has the potential to be a destination that brings visitors Downtown and
results in ancillary commercial activity in other Downtown businesses.
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A2 The Lincoln Building Renovation

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Continue renovation of the historic 48,000 SF Lincoln Building to an

updated and fully restored commercial building containing Class A
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office space, including a Co-Working Innovation Center that will cater

to budding entrepreneurs. The Lincoln Building Co-Working Innovation Center
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will incorporate the restoration of 16,000 SF (across two floors), converting it into
a hub for innovation. Housing a full range of spaces and resources designed to
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cultivate startups and collaboration, the Center will facilitate the growth of locally
owned businesses. It will incorporate desk space, furnished office space, conference
$825,000
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room, studio, kitchenette, WiFi, multi-purpose print and copy machines, and
mailboxes. In tandem with the proposed JCC Tech Space, this project can become
the foundation for innovation and entrepreneurialism in the heart of Watertown.

A3 The Lincoln Room Development

Open a 4,000 square-foot event center/banquet hall on the 5th floor
of the Lincoln Building. This project encompasses fitting up the space with
equipment for the kitchen and other essentials such as tables, chairs, glasses,
silverware, and dishes, and other start-up costs. The Lincoln Room will transform
Downtown into a destination for events such as weddings, conferences, business
meetings, bridal and baby showers, and other life events. The Lincoln Room has
the potential to bring more people Downtown, especially during the evenings and
weekends. The project sponsors plan to partner with local vendors for specialty
$416,078 services related to the events.

*New Development & Rehab of Existing Structures Project Costs Total $14,974,562 (~150% of DRI Resources)
 WATERTOWN DOWNTOWN
REVITALIZATION INITIATIVE

New Development &

Rehab of Existing Structures
PROJECT DESCRIPTIONS
A4 Franklin Street Façades
Restore over 700 feet of historic street frontage and 25 storefronts,

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all in close proximity.
DRI funding will be used for façade improvements, including windows, masonry,

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and storefronts. This project offers the unique opportunity to completely transform
the perception of a critical segment of Downtown Watertown—right at the heart

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of Public Square’s south side. Historically, the Franklin Street spoke, extending from
Public Square down Franklin Street, has been unsightly, depressed, and unsafe.
Over the past few years, Washington Street Properties has invested millions of
$1,243,500 ly
dollars in turning around and renovating these properties, entirely through private
investment. New facades would continue the positive momentum, transforming
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public perception of this corridor, allowing merchants to prosper and attracting
more people to live Downtown.
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A5 Court Street Commons Redevelopment

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Remove blight and assist in the rehabilitation of three buildings

located in downtown Watertown, just west of Public Square.
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The buildings, located at 138, 152/154, and 170 Court Street, represent a total of
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±42,693 SF. The mostly vacant buildings will be renovated into mixed-use facilities
with a blend of retail, commercial, and market-rate residential. This project will
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remove blight by completing façade restorations on all buildings, add up to 18

market-rate apartments, renovate 7,540 SF of commercial space, and include
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surrounding site improvements. Continuing the path of progress in rehabilitating

$990,000 and restoring Public Square, these key properties will help complete Downtown’s
total and cohesive transformation.

A6 Community Café and Grocery Development

Operate a community café and grocery store within 3,330 SF in a
restored building in Downtown Watertown.
Located at 138 Court Street in Watertown, the Community Café will offer breakfast
and lunch options, coffee and espresso drinks, and freshly made seasonal bakery
items. Sourcing and supporting local foods will provide farm-to-table products
while supporting our community farmers and businesses when possible. The
grocery store will offer staple pantry items and include locally sourced products
$174,568 from our nine-county service area when available. There will also be a Community
Room on site that will be open for use by outside businesses and organizations.

*New Development & Rehab of Existing Structures Project Costs Total $14,974,562 (~150% of DRI Resources)
 WATERTOWN DOWNTOWN
REVITALIZATION INITIATIVE

New Development &

Rehab of Existing Structures
PROJECT DESCRIPTIONS
A7 132 Court Street Improvement
Continue the renovation of 132 Court Street, a mixed-use building

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adjoining the Brighton Building to the northwest.
The project adds two market-rate apartments to the third floor of the building,
and improves the building exterior and façade by repainting the entire exterior,

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repairing the roof, installing new windows and embellishing the store fronts. Since
2013, a range of building renovations have occurred including: small exterior

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improvements; building a new shared wall jointly with the Brighton Building;
renovating first-floor (back) retail space; renovating second floor into an office
$145,000 and apartment (owner-occupied); and renovating fourth floor as an apartment.
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This proposal would bring building renovations to completion, resulting in a
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fully occupied building Downtown, where previously it was a vacant structure.
Completing this renovation is vital to the fabric of this block of Court Street, as it
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is positioned between the newly renovated and iconic Brighton Building, and the
planned Court Street Commons Redevelopment project.
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A8 Wind and Wire Building Rehabilitation

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Redevelop a vacant, four-story, mixed-use building in front of Public

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Square, formerly known as Wind and Wire, to a turn-key residential

and commercial tenant-ready space.
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• Basement/JB Wise Storefront: Bar and Grill

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• First Floor/Public Square Storefront: Retail space

• Second/Third Floor: 3 market-rate housing units (2-2 bedroom, 1-1 bedroom
units)
$625,000 This project will bring a newly renovated, mixed-use, two-sided building to the
north side of Public Square, and provide three additional units of needed market-
rate housing and useful commercial space. With its ideal position next to the City
owned public walkway that leads to the JB Wise parking lot, an increase in foot
traffic on both Public Square and JB Wise store fronts will be realized by bringing
this dynamic building back on-line. Parking for the building will be abundant in the
JB Wise lot. The prime location and scope of this project has the potential to help
continue the recent development along the north side of Public Square, and also
attract additional investment and interest to the rear along the JB Wise Parking lot.

*New Development & Rehab of Existing Structures Project Costs Total $14,974,562 (~150% of DRI Resources)
 WATERTOWN DOWNTOWN
REVITALIZATION INITIATIVE

New Development &

Rehab of Existing Structures
PROJECT DESCRIPTIONS
A9 Empsall Plaza Rehabilitation
Rehabilitate the three-story Empsall Plaza Building to create a Family
Entertainment Sports Complex, with multiple local tenants.

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The Empsall Plaza Building is a 45,000 SF partially-occupied commercial building
located at 223 JB Wise Place. The building owner has two local tenants interested in
leasing space on the third-floor; a roof-top concept restaurant interested in leasing

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portions of the second and third floors (overlooking Public Square); a stable tenant
leasing 7,000 SF of space on the second floor who is interested in expanding into

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an additional 1,800 SF space. Funding is needed to improve the building to attract
$1,550,100 and retain the local businesses, furthering the evolution of a hub of commercial
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and recreational activity in Downtown Watertown.
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A10 Paddock Arcade Market Rate Housing
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Rehabilitate 5 upper-story market-rate apartment units with views

looking east onto Public Square.
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The remarkable transformation of American households over the past decade

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has resulted in significant changes in housing preferences, with major shifts from
predominantly single-family detached houses in lower-density, auto-oriented
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suburbs to a diverse mix of detached houses, attached houses and higher-

density apartments in downtowns and walkable mixed-use neighborhoods. This
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trend is likely to continue for at least the next decade as the Baby Boomers and
$123,000 young millennials are seeking out downtown living opportunities. This project
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looks to build on this momentum with the rehabilitation of 5 upper-story market

rate apartment units with views looking east on to Public Square. This project
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will add to the viability of Downtown with the addition of market rate housing,
a recognized need Downtown, while prolonging the life of the 167-year-old
Paddock Arcade.
A11 Paddock Arcade Public Space Enhancements
Repair and rehabilitate the public space of the historic Paddock
Arcade.
The project will enhance the historic Paddock Arcade by improving the glass roof
structure, installing radiant in-floor heat and air conditioning in the “covered
street,” and improving the interior “streetscape.” Installation of an elevator will
provide handicapped accessibility to upper floors and open up more space to
attract new professional uses and businesses. The project would enhance appeal
$435,000 and usability of the public portion for both tenant and public events, attracting
people, business and events Downtown as well as prolonging the useful life of the
167-year-old Paddock Arcade.
*New Development & Rehab of Existing Structures Project Costs Total $14,974,562 (~150% of DRI Resources)
 WATERTOWN DOWNTOWN
REVITALIZATION INITIATIVE

New Development &

Rehab of Existing Structures
PROJECT DESCRIPTIONS
A12 Revitalize Best Western
Revitalize the Best Western Watertown Fort Drum Hotel & Savory
Downtown restaurant in becoming the premier hotel and conference

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event center destination in Downtown Watertown.
By enhancing the facility and building on synergy between the hotel, conference

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center, and the Savory Downtown restaurant, the project sponsors would enhance
the local economy by bringing more transient-travelers, events and group business

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to the Downtown area. In order to remain competitive and provide the best
possible service, the facility needs replacement of the heating and cooling system
$1,466,729 and roof repairs. The project also involves outfitting the Savory restaurant and
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kitchen with modern equipment, fixtures, and furnishings; build-out of a patio
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space for outdoor dining; and updating the interior of the conference/banquet
space.
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A13 The Globe Building Redevelopment

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Restore the vacant Globe Building centrally located on Court Street.

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This project requests funding to make needed roof and façade improvements, as
well as funding for three new business operations in the restored building, including
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a café, restaurant and bookstore, all to be located on the first floor. The Globe Cafe
& Coffeehouse will be the go-to place for coffee and baked goods lovers, serving
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the highest-quality affordable coffee and freshly-baked specialty goods in a fresh,

comfortable and homelike atmosphere. The Fast Casual BBQ Pit Style Restaurant
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will be the only established BBQ Pit restaurant in Jefferson County, dedicated
to serving the highest-quality affordable BBQ in a modern, rustic comfortable
$1,116,000
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atmosphere. The Solid Ground Bookstore and Gift Shop will be designed to help
people learn and grow, providing a variety of books, resources, gifts, music, movies,
greeting cards, novelties and apparel that will meet the needs for all ages.

A14 Knowlton Technologies Window and Roof Upgrade

Upgrade the roof of the Knowlton Technologies building and replace
the east-facing windows above the Black River flume.
DRI funding is requested to offset the costs of these tasks to preserve and enhance
Knowlton’s historical presence Downtown. Knowlton Technologies is one of the
largest employers Downtown, and have occupied the historic property since 1808.
Maintaining their historical presence Downtown is very important.

$249,980
*New Development & Rehab of Existing Structures Project Costs Total $14,974,562 (~150% of DRI Resources)
 WATERTOWN DOWNTOWN
REVITALIZATION INITIATIVE
New Development &
Rehab of Existing Structures
PROJECT DESCRIPTIONS
A15 Sci-Tech Entertainment Update
Update Sci-Tech, a “hands-on” science museum targeting families.
The project will add new and enhance existing exhibits as well as make facility
enhancements and upgrades. Exhibit improvements include adding interactive
water-stream, electrical, and sound waves exhibits; creating music through light;

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and engineering a path for rolling balls on a vertical wall. DRI funds will be used
for the cost of materials, equipment, and outside assistance. Facility improvements
include making the third floor accessible to the public with an elevator and

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emergency egress, a third-floor rest room, and roof repairs. Adding new exhibits
$281,000 will help draw additional visitors to downtown Watertown who will patronize local

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businesses. In 2015, Sci-Tech drew nearly 2,800 visitors and this number is expected
to increase with these improvements.
A16 Jefferson County Historical Society
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Update the Jefferson County Historical Society museum facility/exhibits.
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The Jefferson County Historical Society, located just off the edge of Public Square,
seeks funding assistance for facility improvements to support the preservation
of historic artifacts and continued patronage of the museum. A new elevator will
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provide handicap accessibility throughout the building and significantly increase

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the opportunity for more visitation. Funding will also allow for the museum to
provide new interactive, modernized exhibit displays, considerably broadening the
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ability to attract younger populations. Finally, updates to the heating and cooling
$506,600 system will enable the facility to meet accepted museum industry standards of
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temperature and humidity control, which currently limits the JCHS from receiving
formal museum accreditation that is essential for a range of grant applications.
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A17 New Community YMCA Aquatics, Racquet Sport, and

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Wellness Center
Build a new 40,000 – 45,000 SF YMCA Aquatics, Racquet Sport and
Wellness Center in Downtown Watertown.
The Watertown Family YMCA expects the facility, anticipated to have 15,000
monthly visits, will include such features as a child watch; kids’ adventure area;
community meeting/multi-purpose rooms; community kitchen; teen center; gym /
racquet courts; group exercise studios; wellness area; aquatics; locker rooms; and
administrative offices. DRI Funds will be used to help offset the capital costs of
the project. The new, modern facility will help revitalize the surrounding area by
$2,000,000 improving property values and catalyzing additional investment nearby. The YMCA
will connect residents, visitors and workers to the Watertown riverfront trails and to
Downtown businesses, and may support new retail development – such as sporting
goods related to the offerings at the new facility. It will also directly create 25-30
new jobs that may be filled by residents of Downtown, who in turn spend their
wages at Downtown businesses, creating an economic “ripple effect.”
*New Development & Rehab of Existing Structures Project Costs Total $14,974,562 (~150% of DRI Resources)
 WATERTOWN DOWNTOWN
REVITALIZATION INITIATIVE

New Development &

Rehab of Existing Structures
PROJECT DESCRIPTIONS
A19 Year-Round Market Community Enhancement Project
Create an indoor/outdoor year-round market for fresh produce,

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fruits, prepared foods, and other goods from local vendors.
The market would consist of stands operated by independent farmers and small

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merchants with places where customers can purchase and eat food. The project
will help provide fresh foods to population groups currently without adequate

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access including those in the downtown/eastside Watertown neighborhood, those
that are handicapped or elderly through accessibility improvements, those that
utilize public transportation (within public transportation service area), and low-
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income and senior households that are within walking distance. The project is
expected to help catalyze neighborhood improvement and investment, increase
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surrounding property values, and create new jobs.
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A20 City View Apartment Update

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Preserve four market-rate housing units and create up to four more

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additional market-rate housing units.

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This project involves updgrades to the City View Apartments building, such as a
structural upgrade to the elevator including replacing the tank unit and controller,
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replacing the wiring and hoistway door equipment and installing a new oil cooler.
The project will include replacing the building’s roof, which involves stripping the
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roof down to the deck, to meet NYS Building Code requirements. The northwest
corner area is an important gateway to Downtown. This project will help create a
$105,172
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favorable impression for newcomers coming into Downtown and may help spur
other property owners in the area to make improvements.

A21 First Baptist Church Façade Improvement

Improve the façade of the historic First Baptist Church.
Improve the façade of the historic First Baptist Church by repointing the masonry,
and reconditioning and repairing several of the stained-glass windows throughout
the building. Funding is also being requested to complete minor roof repairs. By
making these improvements, the iconic “Lighthouse on the Square” church will
continue as a beacon of architectural history on Public Square.

$250,000
*New Development & Rehab of Existing Structures Project Costs Total $14,974,562 (~150% of DRI Resources)
 WATERTOWN DOWNTOWN
REVITALIZATION INITIATIVE

New Development &

Rehab of Existing Structures
PROJECT DESCRIPTIONS
A23 Power Play Sports Indoor Hockey Training Facility
Purchase a 1,000 SF synthetic ice surface to help launch a new Power

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Play indoor hockey training facility.
Power Play Sports, LLC (Power Play) will be a 5,000-square foot indoor hockey

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training facility. Designed to train every area of a player’s game, it will consist of a
1,000 SF synthetic ice rink, stick handling and shooting training areas, a strength

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and agility training area, and a retail pro-shop. The funding request will catalyze
Power Play Sports launch with the purchase of a 1,000-square foot synthetic ice
surface. Power Play Sports will draw customers into the Downtown from across
$46,835 ly
the region, sparking spin-off economic growth of eateries as parents wait for their
children to complete their training sessions.
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A24 JCC TechSpace

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Purchase a Downtown building to develope a TechSpace that supports

entrepreneurs and offers workforce training and applied learning
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opportunities.
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A key project identified in the City’s application to the DRI program, the
Jefferson Community College (JCC) TechSpace will be a catalyst to economic
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growth and entrepreneurialism. The TechSpace will expand opportunities for

applied learning, create new programs aligned with community and workforce
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$1,000,000 needs, and increase adult learner enrollment. The TechSpace will meet the
immediate need for workforce training space and allow the college to provide
new opportunities for corporate training and industry partnerships, as well as
serve entrepreneurs through new programming and the innovative Fab Lab.
The economic impact of the project will be significant, annually producing an
additional 25 trainees and 25 entrepreneurs. The teaching and learning benefits
will also be substantial, annually providing 40 JCC students and 50 high school
students with an opportunity to participate in an applied learning experience. The
project is contingent on JCC being awarded a SUNY 2020 grant. The Watertown
Local Development Corporation will use the requested funding for the purchase
of a Downtown building (still to be determined) and necessary improvements to
make the space ready for the JCC TechSpace.

*New Development & Rehab of Existing Structures Project Costs Total $14,974,562 (~150% of DRI Resources)
 WATERTOWN DOWNTOWN
REVITALIZATION INITIATIVE

Public Improvements
PROJECT DESCRIPTIONS
B1 Stone Street Parking Structure
Construct a 150-space, pre-stressed parking structure along Stone
Street to the west of (behind) 200 Washington Street.
The structure will be constructed on the location of the existing surface lot, which
includes approximately 1.59 acres of developable land and has approximately

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115 spaces. The proposed parking structure will operate by permit during
regular business hours and open for general public use in evenings and on

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weekends. Based on current use of space in the Downtown area, as well as future
developments coming online, there is need for additional parking in the vicinity
$1,500,000

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of Public Square. This project would ease the parking problem in surrounding
public parking; make parking available to Downtown space that is currently
vacant; and increase availability of parking for Downtown restaurants, bars, the
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YMCA and future businesses. Downtown will become more accessible to visitors
and businesses will find it more feasible to locate Downtown.
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Downtown Beautification Program
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B2
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Increase plantings and landscape installations around Downtown,

and maintain and repair existing installations that need work.
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Ideally, this project would encompass multiple areas around Downtown that need
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assistance, and would be completed during one outdoor construction or planting

season. Downtown beautification will make the public realm a more attractive
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and comfortable place to spend time. This will encourage more visitors to visit
Downtown as a destination, which has ancillary social and economic benefits. This
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beautification program will enhance and promote the active retail, dining, civic
$80,000 and cultural destinations in the heart of Watertown with street level plantings and
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ornamental containers of colorful annuals, perennials and small shrubs.

B3 Strauss Walkway Lighting and Enhancements

Enhance the Strauss Memorial Walkway to improve perception,
safety, and its overall condition.
Repair the walls and walkway, add decorative lighting, and paint murals or install
other types of public art to make the space more inviting and safe for pedestrians.
This walkway is a key connector between Public Square and the JB Wise parking
lot and JB Wise Place. As such, this should be an inviting and safe corridor for its
users. Improving this connector will increase safety around Public Square, and
make more people comfortable parking in the JB Wise parking lot and walking
$375,000 up to Public Square via the Strauss Walkway, which will enhance the utility of the
JB Wise parking lot.

Public Improvement Project Costs Total $3,610,000 (~36% of DRI Resources)

 WATERTOWN DOWNTOWN
REVITALIZATION INITIATIVE

Public Improvements
PROJECT DESCRIPTIONS
B5 Public Square Fountain Ornamental Fence Installation
Install a small, decorative, ornamental fence around the Public Square
fountain.

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The fountain originally had a short, ornate fence located within the coping
stones that surround the fountain basin, which was removed and never
replaced. The project would also include stripping the existing paint off the

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fountain and repainting it. The fountain is the centerpiece of Public Square and
is associated with the identity and image of downtown Watertown. As such,

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its condition is reflective of the greater Downtown area. Adding an ornamental
$55,000 fence and repainting the fountain helps communicate a positive message and
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image of downtown, which will in turn help the area attract new investment.
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Downtown Streetscape Project
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B7
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Install streetscape enhancements on Franklin Street (Goodale to

Sterling); on Court Street from Public Square to N. Massey Street;
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and on Coffeen Street from Court Street to N. Massey Street.

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Streetscape enhancements will make Court Street, Franklin Street, and Coffeen
Street more inviting to pedestrians, which will enhance the business environment
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Downtown. Additionally, streetscape improvements will help boost property

values and attract additional private investment. Court Street and Coffeen Street
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are both gateways to Downtown from the northwest.

$1,500,000
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B8 Governor Flower Monument Protection/Enhancement

Enhance the 1903 Governor Flower Monument, to maintain its safety
and presence as a gateway to Public Square.
This monument, designed by Augustus Saint-Gaudens and restored in 2003
with a public fund-raising campaign ($120,000), is a frequent victim to traffic
accidents. Enhancements are expected to put barriers in place to prevent large
vehicles from causing harm or damage to an existing piece of public sculpture
that is an important part of the history of Watertown and Downtown. This will
create a safer and more attractive gateway into the Public Square area, helping
$100,000 to enhance the attractiveness of Downtown.

Public Improvement Project Costs Total $3,610,000 (~36% of DRI Resources)

 WATERTOWN DOWNTOWN
REVITALIZATION INITIATIVE

Revolving Loan & Grant Fund;

Branding & Marketing
PROJECT DESCRIPTIONS
C1 Watertown/LDC Downtown Fund (WLDC)
Create a fund administered by the WLDC to offset costs for:

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Public Square Commercial Rent Assistance (Phase 2) – Continue the program
to provide rent assistance to attract small business owners to lease spaces on
and around Public Square. Phase I of the program was initiated in 2017 with a

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$90,000 allocation, bringing 45 new jobs and an estimated 450 patrons per day
Downtown. The WLDC would like to continue this successful program to augment

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the push for redeveloped commercial spaces Downtown.
Downtown Façade Improvement – Over the last ten years, the WLDC has
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funded upwards of $2 million dollars in Downtown facade grants. This has made
a substantial aesthetic impact. Additional buildings Downtown are in desperate
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need of facade work that could continue with DRI money used to leverage private
building owner investment.
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D1 Downtown Signage and Wayfinding

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Create a recognizable brand for Downtown to be used on signage to

direct people to Public Square and other Downtown amenities.
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Wayfinding refers to information systems that guide people through a physical

environment and enhance their understanding and experience of the space.
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Effective wayfinding systems will move visitors to Downtown Watertown from

their vehicles, into parking locations and ultimately to become patrons of the
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businesses located within downtown Watertown. This project proposes developing

a branded, coordinated wayfinding network of gateway signs, parking directional
$320,000
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signs, information kiosks, and interpretive signs, as well as the fabrication of

several signs to implement the program. In the end, this program will contribute
to a sense of well-being, safety, and security within Downtown Watertown.

D2 Downtown Watertown Public Art Project

Install a cohesive group of art & sculptures strategically placed around
Downtown that will highlight the beauty of Watertown and engage
visitors.
The City of Watertown will partner with a local arts organization to create
concepts, design and creation of a variety of projects that celebrate Downtown
Watertown. One early idea is to create a striking central piece of art that will help
to attract people to Public Square in the gazebo area. Additional art structures will
$155,000 be developed over time with a similar theme, which will also highlight paths to the
water or other ‘spokes’ of the Downtown area.
Loan & Grant Fund/Branding & Marketing Project Costs Total $1,075,000 (~11% of DRI Resources)