136 East Elm Street
Total Estimated Cost: $3,750,000
DRI Funding Request: $3,750,000
Est. Schedule: 3 Years
Built in 1910 as a theatre, the Sampson has been repurposed over the years for a number of different uses, ranging from an indoor miniature golf course to a tire warehouse. Today, the building is owned and maintained by the Penn Yan Theatre Company (PYTCo). In 2013, the Sampson Theatre was named as one of the “Five to Revive” by the Landmark Society of Western New York.
The PYTCo and its partners are planning multiple project phases to upgrade the Sampson Theatre property. The DRI “phase” is proposed to include 1) substantial renovation of the historic theatre for year round use complemented by 2) construction of a small annex (basement & first floor) to provide an elevator, bathrooms, set shop, costume shop and ticketing/will call booth. Renovation of the historic theatre will position the PYTCo to provide updated space for local shows, Keuka College educational programs and regional Broadway level productions. A renovated theatre will provide Yates County with a multi-use cultural anchor.
2-8 Main Street
Total Estimated Cost: $3,500,000
DRI Funding Request: $1,750,000
Est. Schedule: 2.5 Years
The Knapp Hotel is an underutilized 3 story, 17,210 sf mixed use building at the center of Downtown. The proposed renovation would demolish the insensitive rear laundromat addition, renovating the original building into 4,725 sf of premium, highly visible commercial spaces of varying sizes (4 units) - as well as 11 accessible, highly desirable one- and two-bedroom upper floor apartments incorporating salvageable historic elements such as fireplaces and detailing into new layouts.
Exterior improvements will include restoring the historic neon signage, repairing the cupola and ornamental brick work, and reopening windows and doors that were filled in. An intimate exterior seating area is provided for a rear restaurant, as well as a new modern vestibule addition to provide rear access for upper floor residents.
The New Knapp will provide a critical mass of market rate apartments in a highly walkable area that will benefit the neighboring businesses.
Existing Interior Space
Existing Exterior
Proposed Rendering
Proposed Rendering
Existing Exterior
Historical Exterior
148 Main Street
Total Estimated Cost: $3,800,000
DRI Funding Request: $1,900,000
Est. Schedule: 2.5 Years
Struble’s Arcade is a 3 story mixed-use masonry building with 19,200 sf of vacant space on 3 floors. The former use of the building was primarily commercial, with two rows of shops and offices adjacent to an arcade with access to a double height mezzanine and skylight. The proposed use would restore this arcade to its former glory, while converting the upper floors over to 7 market rate apartments - of which 4 would be accessible via a new lift to the second floor.
The first floor would be redeveloped into 6 commercial spaces, all of which would be accessible from a main entry point on Main Street - providing a wide range of square footages for new or micro-retail businesses, as well as two larger storefronts slated to become a bakery and liquor store. Future tenants of both the upper and lower floors will get to enjoy interacting via the historic day lit mezzanine, full of public seating and commercial overflow on even the coldest of winter days.
201 Elm Street
Total Estimated Cost: $6,800,000
DRI Funding Request: $2,850,000
Est. Schedule: 2.5 Years
Clifton Land Company, in partnership with LeChase Construction, is working with Sutton Architecture and Carmina Wood Morris, DPC to redevelop and re-purpose the northwest corner of Liberty and Elm Streets.
The proposed project includes a new mixed-use development of 16 two-bedroom residential units and 10,000 SF of commercial space – a community-based adventure center dedicated to nonprofit agencies of the greater Penn Yan community. The investment of more than $6.8 million at this major intersection near the village core will have a catalytic impact by promoting connectivity to the Village’s adjacent central business district and improving a gateway to the Village.
Existing Interior Skylight
Existing Exterior
Proposed Rendering
Proposed Rendering
Proposed Rendering
Existing Exterior
Project Site
Indian Pines Park, Elm Street Park, Boat Launch Park, and Lake Street Park
Total Estimated Cost: $2,800,000
DRI Funding Request: $2,600,000
Est. Schedule: 2.5 Years
The Village of Penn Yan proposes to make various improvements to their parks and trails system which would provide enhanced trail connections to the waterfront, improve park facilities, and create an outdoor performance venue along the Keuka Outlet Trail. The proposed trail improvements include trail extensions, new trailheads, waterfront and marsh overlooks, and a bridge connection across Keuka Outlet at Indian Pines Park. Lake Street Park improvements create a downtown destination which supports the arts and provides waterfront access by including tiered decking, waterfront docks, a covered stage, and a new playground. A waterfront icon which celebrates Penn Yan’s rich history is proposed with a restored cupola from the Empire Winery situated within a viewing plaza and seating.
Wagener Street, Water Street, Main Street, and Maiden Lane
Total Estimated Cost: $1,980,000
DRI Funding Request: $1,900,000
Est. Schedule: 3 Years
Undertake streetscape enhancements along Water Street and Wagener Street to extend the look and feel of Main Street west along these streets to improve walkability, provide additional on-street parking, continue historic street lighting, and offer an interesting streetscape that adds to the vitality of downtown and encourages reinvestment. Additionally, the project will include enhancements to the existing Wagener Street parking lot, upgrades to sections of Main Street that will improve the downtown experience, improvements to Maiden Lane that will create a pedestrian promenade that can be used as a social and public space for events such as the farmer’s market, and installation of public WiFi along Main Street.
Existing Water & Wagener Streets
Existing Maiden Lane
Trail Network Concept Plan
Lake Street Park Concept Plan
Indian Pines Park Concept Plan
Concept Plan
Maiden Lane Concept Plan
131-147 Water Street and 120 Wagener Street
Total Estimated Cost: $4,374,600
DRI Funding Request: $1,200,000
Est. Schedule: 3 Years
Iversen Ventures, Ltd. plans to develop a vacant, one-acre lot at 131-147 Water Street and 120 Wagener Street into 18 new, two story, for-sale single family townhome condominiums. This development will create an attractive row-house appearance on Water Street with façades that implement historic design elements complementary to the adjacent Historic District.
The proposal for the site includes 18 mixed-income residential units: a mix of two-story townhomes and upper/lower one-story flats. On-site parking will also be provided behind the townhomes. The new homes will not only develop vacant land in the downtown, but will create a housing alternative for seniors and young professionals seeking a reasonably priced downtown living experience.
104-106 Main Street
Total Estimated Cost: $1,200,000
DRI Funding Request: $600,000
Est. Schedule: 2 Years
The Belknap is a long-vacant property on Main Street acquired by Stacey Mirinaviciene for the express intent of historic restoration and business expansion. The DRI funding will provide much-needed gap funding for the significant repairs required, including a complete gut and rehabilitation of the upper floors to create 3 residential units and the first floor to create an anchor commercial space. In addition, particular attention has been paid to facade restoration and quality-of-life amenities for the 12+ new employees and 4+ new residential tenants. The book-keeping school portion of Roslyn Accounting will bring 20+ new visitors to downtown Penn Yan on a bi-annual basis. Stacey is poised to commence construction immediately upon approval of the project.
Proposed Rendering
Existing Exterior
Proposed Site Plan
Existing Site
Existing Site
158 Main Street
Total Estimated Cost: $594,504
DRI Funding Request: $297,252
Est. Schedule: 7 Months
The Laurentide Inn, built in 1820 is a 7-room bed and breakfast with private event space. Since taking ownership in June of 2018, the Hedworths have invested in interior renovations and redesign of the main structure as well as site work.
The proposal for the site includes repurposing the existing carriage house and stables into a three-barrel micro-brewery and tasting room/bar area as well as renovating the ground floor of the Inn for the implementation of a “speakeasy” style lounge. As for site work, the owners also intend to build out the outdoor space to allow for private events like small weddings or acoustic music in the gardens. The owners would also like to turn the driveway that leads onto Maiden Lane into a pedestrian walkway for Laurentide Inn guests.
19-23 Main Street
Total Estimated Cost: $521,200
DRI Funding Request: $521,200
Est. Schedule: 1 Year
Milly’s Pantry is a not-for-profit 501 (c)3 organization dedicated to the needs of Yates County’s children. It is funded through donations, grants, rentals, and sales in the Pinwheel Market & Café. The Weekend Backpack program now feeds nearly 500 children weekly in Penn Yan and Dundee. Currently approximately 200 volunteers, along with funds obtained through programs and rental spaces within the building, keep this outreach mission operational.
The historic building consists of 14,000 square feet on three floors, plus a basement, attic and sub-basement. The proposed elevator would require the renovation of each floor to allow access at each floor. The added accessibility would enable business growth and increase funds brought in through rentals. It would also provide access to participate in the many classes, programs and community gatherings to many who cannot currently attend as well as access to the second floor commercial kitchen.
Concept Rendering—brew house
Concept Rendering—walkway to Maiden Lane
Existing Exterior
Existing Front Exterior
2nd Floor Commercial Kitchen
Existing Rear Exterior
Proposed Rear Exterior
DRI Boundary
Total Estimated Cost: $1,000,000
DRI Funding Request: $600,000
Est. Schedule: 2 Years
A Building Improvement Fund will be established to provide grant funding for applicants to partially support interior and exterior building improvements. The fund will mimic the goals, process and requirements of the NYS Main Street Program including an allocation of funds for administration of the program through the Finger Lakes Economic Development Center (FLEDC) and also providing funds for soft costs including architectural and environmental costs. Maximum funding limits and required matches will be established by the FLEDC.
The fund would be available to any building owner within the DRI Boundary. It is anticipated that owners who applied for DRI funds but were eliminated as a Priority Project will receive additional points on their Building Improvement Program application to improve their chances of being selected.
126 Main Street
Total Estimated Cost: $350,000
DRI Funding Request: $175,000
Est. Schedule: 6 Months
The first floor of the building located at 126 Main Street is occupied by Village Drug. The owner of the building plans to renovate the currently vacant second floor into three apartments – two for rent and one for a vacation rental.
The proposal for the second floor includes two one-bedroom apartments and one two-bedroom apartment. The renovation would include demolition of non-load bearing walls, new insulation, new dry wall, new electrical, new plumbing, HVAC installation, and new appliances. The proposal also includes thermal window replacement; however the owner would like to keep the original transom windows in the apartment facing Main Street.
Proposed Plan
Existing Interior
Existing Exterior
130 Water Street
Total Estimated Cost: $500,000
DRI Funding Request: $200,000
Est. Schedule: 6 Months
Located at 130 Water Street, Birkett Landing is a four-story, mixed-use property on the Keuka Outlet that contains 13 high-end apartments, a wine bar, and 4,500 square feet of undeveloped space. The apartments are fully occupied and there is a waitlist of potential renters.
The proposal for the site includes finishing the interior of a 4,500 square feet of undeveloped space on the ground floor of the building facing the Keuka Outlet for an upscale restaurant. An outdoor patio would also be established by the restaurant on the existing deck.
DRI funding would be used to construct restrooms, improve the space’s infrastructure and installation of a bar.
107 Main Street
Total Estimated Cost: $282,800
DRI Funding Request: $141,400
Est. Schedule: 1 Year
Mary Sutherland, owner of 107 Main Street, has been working with Johnson Schmidt and Associates architects to redevelop 107 Main Street. The proposal includes renovation of the ground floor commercial unit and two new second floor residential units. One of the residential units will be an Airbnb rental. A small rear addition will provide a code compliant stairwell egress.
Draft architectural plans have been developed along with costs and a pro-forma.
Preliminary Plan
Existing Interior
Existing Exterior
Proposed Plan
Existing Interior
Existing Exterior
114-116 Main Street
Total Estimated Cost: $847,550
DRI Funding Request: $423,775
Est. Schedule: 2 Years
Built in 1848, 114-116 Main Street has historically been used as a mixed-use building. Currently, only one apartment on the second floor is occupied. A second vacant tenancy on the second floor has a commercial occupancy, which is unmarketable as office and highly desirable as residential. The residential units on the third floor have not been occupied since the early-twentieth century, do not meet any current codes, and have deteriorated.
The proposal for the site includes remodeling the first floor into an upscale salon, renovation of the commercial and residential units on the second floor to full residential occupancy, the creation of two residential units on the third floor, and renovation of both the front and rear historic façades. The owner hopes to restore the façades with their original design elements. The project will modernize the building to meet current building and fire codes, thus activating the vacant upper floors and converting long-vacant office space to residential uses.
3 Main Street
Total Estimated Cost: $400,000
DRI Funding Request: $200,000
Est. Schedule: 1.5 Years
The owners of the vacant historic building located at 3 Main Street plan to rehabilitate it for mixed-use purposes. The first-floor restaurant space would be renovated into upscaled eatery. A “speak easy” would be created in the basement and the second-floor apartment would be renovated as well. New heating and air conditioning will be installed. Note that historically, this basement was the location of a Penn Yan speak easy in the 1930’s. Original historic features from that period will be restored and interpreted.
The façade would be improved by restoring the original brick and installing new windows and doors. The rear of the building would receive new siding and a new roof. Improving the building’s façade will heighten curb appeal, attracting potential visitors, customers, and renters.
Proposed Rendering
Existing Exterior
Existing Interior
Existing Exterior
Proposed Rendering
Conceptual 1st Floor Restaurant
Conceptual Basement Speak Easy
124 Elm Street
Total Estimated Cost: $500,000
DRI Funding Request: $250,000
Est. Schedule: 1.5 Years
The Little Elm project will transform a currently empty store front on Elm Street into an upscale farm-to-table restaurant and cocktail bar. This transformation will support and expand the wine and lake tourism industry in the region by supporting local farmers and beverage manufacturers. The space that Little Elm will occupy is the front of the first floor of the Penn Yan Microtel Inn & Suites. Visitors at the Microtel, tourist to the Finger Lakes region, as well as residents of Penn Yan, will dine at Little Elm. On-site parking is available.
132-138 Water Street
Total Estimated Cost: $150,000
DRI Funding Request: $75,000
Est. Schedule: 6 Months
The owners of 132-138 Water Street plan to improve the underutilized space used by Shoreline Rentals to execute a lease agreement with a successful regional bakery that will produce artisan breads. The bakery will leverage the opening of Union Block Italian Bistro in the adjacent space that would feature the breads made next door on their menu.
The bakery will also be open to the public and will offer breads made with local organic grains. Improvements proposed include finishing the interior walls and ceilings in addition to installing plumbing, HVAC, and a new ADA accessible bathroom.
Existing Interior
Existing Exterior
Existing Interior
Existing Exterior
Proposed Concept Plan
Proposed Aspirational Concept