The renovation of a downtown Auburn property is one step closer to completion.
The state’s required environmental quality review (SEQR) for 22 East Genesee Street has been completed and renovations on the abandoned property can now commence. Speaking on FLX Morning, City Clerk Chuck Mason said the vacant structure will have a new life.
“The intent is to make the ground-level retail space and the upper levels apartments,” Mason said. It’s an old building that’s been sitting there for many many years and it’s going to be great to turn this vacant building back into one with a useful purpose.”
Funding for the renovations comes from two grants the city has received, Mason explained.
“It has a Restore NY grant behind it and a Downtown Revitalization Initiative grant behind it,” Mason continued. “It’s one of the next projects in the DRI for the City of Auburn.”
The Restore NY grant not only saw this project awarded $1.12 million but also saw an $8.5 million Special Project Award given to transform the former Bombardier Transportation Facility at 151 Orchard Street to attract supply chain companies looking to move to the area because of Micron coming to Onondaga County.
Mason added that, while construction is expected to begin this year, work on the vacant property is expected to take a few years to fully complete.
