On November 30, 2022, 10 transformational projects in the Village of Tupper Lake, New York as part of the state’s $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) award.
Mayor Paul Maroun said, “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.”
These regenerative projects will improve downtown public spaces and streetscapes and expand commercial, residential, entertainment and recreational opportunities in the Village’s historic waterfront Uptown District.
“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 Kathy 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.”
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 District.
The Village, which is located on the easternmost shore of Raquette Pond, originated as a logging and timber center in the late 1800s.
Raquette Pond and the surrounding forests currently attract tourists and outdoor recreation enthusiasts who contribute to the local economy and downtown businesses.
These 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.
Assemblymember 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.”
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.
State Senator Dan Stec said, “Tupper Lake is a vibrant community with a great deal of economic potential. $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative 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.”
The projects include:
Expanded Housing Options
Redeveloping Historic Building into Oval Lofts – DRI Award: $2,500,000
Rehabilitate the current Fletcher & Sons Company, part of the Oval Wood Dish Factory site. The certified historic redevelopment will feature approximately 70 apartments with on-site tenant amenities including parking, fitness center, community space, outdoor garden and grills and include a first-floor commercial/retail space.
Redeveloping the Oval Wood Dish Site – DRI Award: $1,950,000
Redevelop the OWD factory to include workforce housing, co-working space and a new production facility for Raquette River Brewery.
Improving Multi-Family Housing in Tupper Lake – DRI Award: $725,000
Renovate three high-visibility, multi-unit residential properties 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.
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.”
Improved Walkability and Streetscape Connectivity
Enhancing Uptown Streetscape – DRI Award: $2,495,000
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 wayfinding, lighting, street trees and benches to create a unified Uptown streetscape aesthetic.
Restoring 70 Park Street – DRI Award: $110,000
Renovate the two-story building at 70 Park Street for first floor retail and second floor rental. The scope of work includes interior remodeling as well as exterior façade, siding, and deck work.
Establishing a Fund to Energize Uptown – DRI Award: $600,000
Create a fund for matching grants, intended for interior/exterior building improvements in the Uptown District, as well as business assistance.
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.”
Enhancing and Connecting Culture and Small Business
Increasing Arts, Cultural, Entertainment and Recreational Opportunities by Supporting Small Businesses Upgrade and Enhance Tupper Arts’ Presence in Uptown – DRI Award: $693,000
Renovate the State Theatre by Tupper Arts, Inc., with insulation/HVAC/roof upgrades to the theatre and adjacent Tupper Arts building. 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.
Upgrading Existing Building for Restaurant Expansion – DRI Award: $280,000
Interior and Exterior improvements to 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.
Creating a Miniature Golf Destination – DRI Award: $199,000
Create a seasonal miniature golf and ice cream business to operate between May and October
Creating a Brewery and Taproom – DRI Award: $148,000
Construct a new 850 sq. ft. brewery and taproom with outdoor beer garden.
New York Secretary of State Robert J. Rodriguez concluded, “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.”
Photo of boat houses in Tupper Lake, NY are by Duke53 via English Wikipedia.