Watkins Glen

The developer proposed the demolition and rebuilding of the structure at 109-111 Franklin St. in Watkins Glen, located within the village’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) zone. Identified in the current DRI plan, the project aimed to replace a deteriorated complex consisting of a 1920s brick warehouse, a Quonset hut, and a single-family home with a new mixed-use building that would visually complement the historic street scape.

The developer initially explored Historic Tax Credits for renovation but was unable to secure them due to significant interior alterations from the original construction and severe structural damage caused by past fires. Recognizing the site’s blighting impact, the village allocated $1,000,000 in DRI funds to assist with demolition and contribute to the construction of the new building.

The proposed three-story structure was designed to include 24 residential units, 20 one-bedroom and 4 two-bedroom apartments—marketed to a mix of income levels. Amenities included an elevator, laundry facilities on the second and third floors, a community room, and utilities such as heat, hot water, sewer, and garbage removal included in the rent.

The first floor featured five commercial spaces, each with separate entrances from Franklin St. and rear access from the parking lot. Residential access was located along Madison Avenue. While the project was well-planned and aligned with the village’s revitalization goals, the developer was ultimately unable to secure full state funding to move forward with construction.