Downtown Cortland redevelopment project hits milestone

CORTLAND, N.Y. — The first phase of work on a building that is seen as central to the redevelopment of Cortland’s downtown has been completed, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Monday.

In a news release, Cuomo said work on 51-55 Main St. was transforming the three-story brick structure from a fire-damaged vacant building into a mixed-use property supporting commercial redevelopment and residential housing.

“This project will breathe new life into downtown Cortland while supporting our efforts to invest in communities and attract businesses and families to keep Central New York Rising for generations to come,” Cuomo contended.

Developer Jimmy Souzas said downtown Cortland was experiencing “a renaissance.” He added, “we are excited to unveil the long-awaited project at 55 Main Street to showcase exactly how economic development can help restore a vibrant and lively downtown where people can live, work and play.”

The building had been vacant since a 2005 fire. The project received aid in the form of a $100,000 grant in 2012 from the New York State Main Street Program, according to the release. In 2016, the project received $200,000 from Empire State Development for renovation work.

Last year, Cortland was named a winner of the second round of the state’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative, receiving $10 million in state funding and investments to revitalize its downtown area.

In all, the51-55 Main St. project is expected to cost $1.45 million. When done, the 14,000-square-foot building will support 12 jobs and feature commercial space on the ground floor with apartments on the second and third floors, the release stated.

Contact McChesney at cmcchesney@cnybj.com