State-Funded Project to Renovate Former Bank Building in Dunkirk Moving Quickly
State-Funded Project to Renovate Former Bank Building in Dunkirk Moving Quickly
A state-funded project to renovate Dunkirk’s former Lake Shore Savings Bank on Central Avenue is making significant progress, with the city’s Common Council potentially ready to vote on a sales agreement in the near future.
According to city Planning and Development Director Vince DeJoy, the renovation of the bank building is moving at a rapid pace compared to other Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) projects announced by Governor Kathy Hochul.
A developer has presented a purchase agreement for the project, which includes renovating the building to accommodate retail space and market-rate apartments. An environmental site assessment is currently underway and has not encountered any major issues thus far.
The DRI has allocated $900,000 for the renovation project, which is expected to breathe new life into the historic building and contribute to the revitalization of the downtown area.
In addition to the bank building project, DeJoy provided updates on several other DRI projects in Dunkirk:
– The Macaroni Company Building is set to be transformed into medical offices and apartments, with progress moving forward steadily.
– Developers are finalizing applications for tax credits for apartment complexes on East Fourth Street and Washington Avenue, with plans for a daycare facility at the East Fourth Street location.
– The Graf Building on Central Avenue is slated to become a Jamestown Community College workforce development center, with grant applications in progress.
– The former Adams Art Gallery, now rebranded as “Central Hall,” is undergoing a fundraising campaign for renovations to create a space for arts, events, and youth programming.
– The Clarion Hotel received $1 million for renovations, with plans to enhance rooms and the exterior facade.
– Expansion projects for Dunkirk’s city marina and Chadwick Bay Marina are in the early stages.
– A Downtown Dunkirk Small Project Fund has been established to support small businesses with facades, equipment, and startup capital.
The ongoing revitalization efforts in Dunkirk are aimed at enhancing the city’s economic development and creating a more vibrant and attractive downtown area for residents and visitors alike.
