The city of Hornell hopes to submit a proposal that would change the appearance of Hornell’s downtown skyline.
At its May meeting, the Common Council approved a Restore New York grant application to support the redevelopment of the Landman Building on Main Street. The project would transform the corner building into a mixed-use facility with office space, residential space and art studios.
It would also add a third floor, which would make the Main Street entrance look decidedly different.
“It is an exciting project. It is right in the center,” said Mayor John Buckley. “Adding a third floor to a building would certainly change the appearance of the building and open it up to many more possibilities.”
The city is asking for a maximum grant of $2 million to support the project. The Restore NY program provides municipalities with financial assistance to support the revitalization of commercial and residential properties.
Landman Building project in progress since 2019
The Landman Building project previously received $1.5 million through Hornell’s $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative, which is the largest award for a private project. The entire project was budgeted at $3 million, including $1 million for the third-floor addition.
The DRI award and subsequent project budgets were made before the COVID-19 pandemic contributed to significant delays and rising inflation, and the Landman Building now requires additional financing, Buckley said.
“The city was awarded the DRI before COVID, and now everyone is dealing with inflation. It really messed up the funding,” Buckley said. “We’re trying to supplement some of these projects where we can.”
Hornell has successfully targeted Restore NY funding in the past, including for downtown housing projects such as the Federation Building Redevelopment Project, which was awarded $1.5 million. While the city asked $2 million for the Landman Building, the project price could come in under that amount.
What is intended in the Landman Building
Buckley said the designs for the Landman Building have remained largely the same during the construction delay.
The DRI award called for the renovation of the existing building to create a mixed-use development including four efficient art studios, commercial and retail space, six apartments, four townhomes and a rooftop terrace and community space.
The initial DRI application predicted a construction phase of 12 to 15 months.
The Landman Building was selected for DRI financing with these short- and long-term benefits in mind:
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Create new retail activities.
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Develop new market-rate housing options in downtown Hornell.
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Provide community programming space for residents of the Landman Building and the city.
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Increase daytime traffic and local spending in downtown Hornell.
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Encourage new residents to live in downtown Hornell.
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Increase the physical continuity of downtown Hornell and facilitate a walkable downtown with artists and active shops.
The Landman Building occupies 83-93 Main St. The building currently features signage for Howard Hanna Real Estate Services, Miss Natale’s Dance Center and the Donlon Law Office.
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According to provincial records, the building was built in 1930.
It was purchased in 2019 by Hewan and Stacie Fraser of the Bronx for $395,000. Ironshore Properties, LLC sponsored the DRI project application.
This article originally appeared in The Evening Tribune: Hornell focuses on financing Landman Building. This is what is planned.
