You may have remembered that the city of Canandaigua was awarded $10 million as part of New York state’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative a year ago.
This state initiative is meant to help provide funding and a jump-start for Main Streets and downtowns just like, well, Canandaigua’s downtown and its Main Street.
A local planning committee considered and narrowed a list of development projects, 10 of which Gov. Kathy Hochul announced a week ago and called them “transformational.”
Canandaigua Mayor Thomas Lyon said the state resources will accelerate key projects that enhance Canandaigua’s civic spaces and foster economic growth.
“I appreciate the mixture of public and private projects, from recognizing our heritage at City Hall, encouraging more living space on upper stories, as well as street improvements and activities off Main Street, adding depth and breadth to the downtown experience,” Lyon said.
Here is what we know now about how, through these projects, the state and city envision an enhanced Main Street and downtown with a mix of local businesses, housing, arts and public spaces.
Housing in Downtown Canandaigua
Increasing housing opportunities in downtown Canandaigua have long been a goal of local business and city leaders. Here is how they hope to see it happen.
Renovate 100 S. Main St. for $1.2 million to create new housing options downtown and refresh the building’s facade.
Rehabilitate the upper floors of 88-92 S. Main St. for $791,000 to expand housing options and build new apartments.
Reactivate the second floor of 143 S. Main St. and enhance its facade for $772,000, again to expand new housing opportunities.
Destination locations in Downtown Canandaigua
Expand Peacemaker Brewing Co. on Coach Street for $389,000 to expand its capacity as a destination for craft beer and live music throughout the year.
The Central on Main outdoor dining area and events space on South Main Street already is a community gathering place. A design that reflects its popularity, better supports its intended uses and supports user comfort is planned for $1,144,000.
For $870,000, renovate the historic building at 97 S. Main St. and create a hub where residents and visitors can learn, create and connect around art.
Off Main Street work in Downtown Canandaigua
Canandaigua is a lively place, even when moving off Main Street. Two projects would build on momentum on two side streets.
Transform Phoenix Street as a pedestrian-friendly destination for $1.3 million. The street already boasts lively businesses such as Tavern off Main, Off Main Market and the ever-popular Wally’s Pub. Work would entail a pedestrian-friendly design that complements the street’s unique urban character and supports outdoor dining.
Enhance Coach Street as a pedestrian-friendly connection and vibrant cluster of businesses and restaurants between Main Street and Bemis Street for $1.925 million. Popular restaurants already include Peacemaker Brewing Co., Pintxo Wine Bar & Tapas and Reason’s Bar & Grill and Rio Tomatlán and Casa De Pasta are right around the corner on Bemis Street.
Continuing work in Canandaigua
Community leaders are hopeful that this is more than a one-shot deal and a building block for future work.
To that end, a small project grant fund of $600,000 would support smaller-scale projects that enhance the appearance of downtown, provide new retail and residential space, support new business ventures and create public art.
And while the focus is on the new, taking care of the older buildings that provide the city with so much character is critical as well.
That’s why preserving the historic Canandaigua City Hall, which was built in the early 1820s, as a civic landmark is part of the deal. Work includes repairing masonry and finishes and other sitework for $651,000.
Mike Murphy covers Canandaigua and other communities in Ontario County and writes the Eat, Drink and Be Murphy food and drink column. He can be reached at mmurphy@messengerpostmedia.com. Follow him on X at @MPN_MikeMurphy.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Canandaigua’s $10 million downtown plan is revealed
Reporting by Mike Murphy, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
