Governor Hochul Announces Transformational Projects for Gloversville as Part of $10 Million Downtown Revitalization Initiative

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced 12 transformational projects in the City of Gloversville as part of the $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative award. The award will enhance public amenities and greenspace, expand housing opportunities, and support both new and existing small businesses. Project renderings are available here.

"We are ushering in a new era for Gloversville, attracting jobs, businesses, and people and making the community a better place to live and work," Governor Hochul said. "These investments will create more affordable housing, improve public amenities, and revitalize key businesses in downtown Gloversville, which will improve the quality of life for visitors and residents alike. My administration is committed to creating more livable communities and building a brighter future in Upstate New York."

Gloversville's downtown is distinguished by its unique character, historic architecture, renowned arts and cultural assets, parks and greenspace, and rich sense of community. Recent investments within and around Gloversville's compact, walkable downtown have made the area ripe for revitalization.

These investments are part of the Governor's ongoing efforts to revitalize the upstate economy and create more opportunities in the Mohawk Valley. Gloversville was named a DRI Round 5 winner in 2021. In addition to awarding grants for catalytic community investments, the Downtown Revitalization Initiative, led by the Department of State, provides technical assistance to participating communities as they develop a Strategic Investment Plan and identify projects to revitalize their downtown areas.

The specific projects to be funded through the DRI include:

Renovating the Historic Glove Theatre - DRI Award $1,994,000

The Glove Theater's 40,000 sq. ft. Complex will be renovated and restored through this project, which includes various interior improvements to enhance safety and comfort.

Renovating the Carriage House - DRI Award: $1,360,000

The historic Carriage House, vacant for nearly two decades, will be rehabilitated to provide a microbrewery, sports bar, restaurant, as well as several units of housing on the upper floors. In addition to residential space, a portion of the upper floors will be utilized as flex space to function as a banquet space as needed.

Constructing Glove City Lofts - DRI Award: $1,250,000

Artist housing will be constructed on an existing vacant lot near City Hall through this project. It will offer approximately 75 loft-styled affordable housing units for mixed-income tenants, complete with greenspace and an art gallery managed by the Glove City Arts Alliance.

Activating St. Thomas Square for Year-Round Activities - DRI Award: $1,120,000

This project will create a strong connection to Main Street by redeveloping an underutilized park including: a new pedestrian and memorial area around Farmers Market Pavilion and an ice-skating area with associated amenities.

Revitalizing Daniel Hayes Mill - DRI Award: $1,050,000

This project will redevelop a former industrial site, including an historic four-story wood-framed brick structure and multiple single-story masonry buildings, for multi-family residential use that will bring new residents to downtown Gloversville and bring new life to a long-abandoned property.

Initiating Downtown Business Improvement Fund - DRI Award: $600,000

The Downtown Business Fund will provide small businesses and organizations in the DRI area with the financial support needed to bridge the funding gap for expansion and improvement projects. The city will award grants based on a competitive application, review process and match requirement.

Enhancing Public Amenities at Trail Station Park - DRI Award: $495,000

The second phase of a planned expansion at Trail Station Park will begin, replacing a large section of asphalt with amenities such as a splash pad, restroom, pavilion, and a changing area, as well as trees, picnic areas, trails, and greenspace.

Improving Streetscapes and Connectivity - DRI Award: $441,000

This project will create a more welcoming environment for visitors and residents by providing improved sidewalks, street trees for shade, and pedestrian lighting at key locations in the downtown.

Creating a Downtown Piazza - DRI Award: $435,000

This project will transform this centrally located completely vacant property into an urban plaza/public gathering place for public concerts and performances, weekly outdoor movie nights, and an urban park atmosphere. Space will be provided for food trucks and stalls for local restaurants. Green infrastructure will be incorporated to allow stormwater infiltration.

Transforming a Vacant Building into a Microbrewery - DRI Award: $359,000

A vacant former garage building will be repurposed into the headquarters for Glove City Brewing, with a microbrewery, kitchen restrooms, and an outdoor biergarten.

Renovating Schine Memorial Hall, Third Floor - DRI Award: $346,000

The third floor of Schine Memorial Hall, a prominent, three-story building that has been a downtown landmark since its construction in 1881, will be renovated to create an attractive space for the relocation of the Storto Glove Museum and coworking space for artists.

Reviving Former City Hall - DRI Award: $250,000

The ground floor of the former City Hall building will be renovated for the addition of a restaurant and bakery in the vacant space of the mixed-used building.

Gloversville developed a strategic investment plan to revitalize its downtown with $300,000 in planning funds from the $10 million grant. A local planning committee made up of municipal representatives, community leaders, and other stakeholders led the effort, supported by a team of private sector experts and state planners. The strategic investment plan for this area in Gloversville examined local assets and opportunities and identified economic development, transportation, housing, and community projects that align with the community's vision for downtown revitalization and that are poised for implementation.

New York Secretary of State Robert J. Rodriguez said, "The DRI program is driving the renovation and restoration of important downtown resources in every region of the state. These twelve projects in Gloversville are set to put this $10 million investment to work for its residents and to activate its historic downtown with commerce and new visitors. Gloversville is the perfect example of how New York State's strategic placemaking investments in arts, infrastructure and waterfront access can support economic growth by creating livable and inviting communities."

State Senator Jim Tedisco said, “This new Downtown Revitalization grant will help Gloversville's efforts to encourage small business growth and enhance the economy for local taxpayers. Thanks to the Governor for her support of Gloversville."

Assemblymember Robert Smullen said, "It's exciting and refreshing to see state resources injected back into the Gloversville community, and I am optimistic that we can build on this momentum to fully revitalize our downtown area and business district. Many of these projects epitomize our region's rich history and culture, so I am confident that their completion will yield more jobs, tourism, and opportunity for Mohawk Valley residents."

Mayor of Gloversville Vincent DeSantis said, "This is one of the most exciting moments in Gloversville history. Thanks to Governor Hochul and Secretary of State Rodriguez, and the well targeted funding opportunities provided by the State of New York. We are now in a position to build a new city, a transformation from a 19th century industrial city to a thriving 21st century community."

Downtown Revitalization Initiative

New York State's DRI, a cornerstone of its economic development program, transforms downtown neighborhoods into vibrant centers that offer a high quality of life and are magnets for redevelopment, business, job creation, and economic and housing diversity. Led by the Department of State with assistance from Empire State Development, Homes and Community Renewal and NYSERDA, the DRI represents an unprecedented and innovative "plan-then-act" strategy that couples strategic planning with immediate implementation and results in compact, walkable downtowns that are a key ingredient to helping New York State rebuild its economy from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as to achieving the State's bold climate goals by promoting the use of public transit and reducing dependence on private vehicles. More information on the DRI is available here.