Naturally Lewis seeks developer for former Glenfield elementary school

GLENFIELD, N.Y. — Working with Lewis County, Naturally Lewis is seeking those interested in acquiring and redeveloping a 6.9-acre former elementary school property at 5960 Main St. in Glenfield, located southeast of Lowville.

Naturally Lewis is the branded name for Lewis County Economic Development, including the Industrial Development Agency and the Lewis County Development Corporation.

With the release of a request for expressions of interest (RFEI), the entities are looking for respondents that have a “vision for the property that will support economic growth in the local community and region,” per the Monday announcement.

“Board and staff members welcome creative redevelopment ideas and concepts that take advantage of the assets Lewis County offers,” Brittany Davis, executive director of Naturally Lewis, said. “We are prioritizing housing and/or lodging concepts but will consider other options as long as it shows significant community benefit”

Until the summer of 2021, the property had been used as an elementary school. Lewis County currently owns the site and is using it for temporary office space until May 2023. The property has more than 40,000 square feet of “maintained and usable area,” per the announcement.

In its property description, Naturally Lewis says it is centrally located in the Black River Valley between the Tug Hill and the Adirondack Park. The location offers “easy access” from NYS Route 12, nearby access to the Black River, and direct access to ATV and snowmobile trail systems

The property has services that include natural gas; high speed internet; electric (with 100kw emergency generator); and nearby public transportation. Naturally Lewis sees the former school as “ideal” for conversion to apartments, senior living, hotel, office, retail, a community center, mixed use, or other possibilities.

Naturally Lewis is accepting brief expressions of interest through Jan. 31, 2023. Those interested can download the document by visiting the Naturally Lewis website.

Officials will use the preliminary information that respondents provide to “chart the next steps for the disposition of the property,” which may include asking respondents to submit a full proposal for the property, Naturally Lewis said.

For immediate information on the property, contact Cheyenne Steria, director of finance & incentives with Lewis County Economic Development, at 315-376-3014, or cheyenne@naturallylewis.com.