(Credit: AJA Architecture via Glens Falls Planning, 2023)
(Credit: Courtesy Miller Design via Glens Falls Planning, 2023)
The abandoned warehouse at 178-180 Maple Street in the heart of the Glens Falls Arts District will be redeveloped into a mixed-use, residential and office building. According to architect Andrew J. Allison, the plans for building were finalized in late 2022, who presented the plans to the Glens Falls Planning Board, Jan. 3.
The upper floor will be used for five residential apartments, including three two-bedroom units, one one-bedroom unit, and a studio apartment.
Laura Carusone is listed as the applicant on the planning board documents.
The 3,000 square foot main level will be a business space with shared conference and support capabilities. The 4,000 square foot basement will be used primarily for storage and warehousing.
There will be 6 parking spaces, as well as overflow and street parking.
The project also includes the installation of rooftop solar panels and geothermal heating and cooling, according to Allison. The cost of the project has yet to be determined.
The brick industrial building has sat vacant for years, and was previously used as the Leland Paper storage warehouse, according to documents provided to the board.
In the past, the city has encouraged the renovation of old, vacant buildings, and in this case, the city’s Economic Development Director Jeff Flagg threw his support behind the project.
The project is eligible for funding through the Restore NY Grant Program.
According to the Empire State Development website, Restore NY provides municipalities with financial assistance for the revitalization of commercial and residential properties. “The program encourages community development and neighborhood growth through the elimination and redevelopment of blighted structures,” the Restore NY website says.
The final application for the grant is due by Friday, Jan. 27 and a project could be selected within the coming months.
The application for the grant was initiated by the City of Glens Falls in an effort to stabilize and restore vacant underutilized buildings in the city, Flagg said.
However, Flagg described the grant as “competitive” and “sporadic,” with several other contenders in the Capital Region vying for it. If the developers at 178-80 Maple lose their bid for the grant, it could potentially impact the project’s scale.
The Glens Falls Planning Board enthusiastically approved for the project to go forward.
The owner of the building is listed as MFredella LLC in the documents.
Play With Your Food offers first glimpse inside
Miller Designs presented a new front entrance to 126 Glen St., the building Elizabeth Miller bought last year. The main floor tenant will be a family concept restaurant Go Play With Your Food. The restaurant will feature family fare, drinks, snacks and board games.
An additional interior door and a ramp up to it are proposed, according to documents submitted to the planning board.
[Read more about Miller's purchase here. Read about the restaurant here.]
Editor's note: Mark Shaw, a partner in Go Play With Your Food, is also the CEO of StoredTech, an advertiser with FoothillsBusinessDaily.com.