NEW: Ten Downtown Revitalization Projects in Lowville officially revealed via the Governor’s Office

LOWVILLE- The village is seeking to “preserve and enhance” its small-town, rural charm with 10 officially announced projects awarded with funding from the $10 million worth of Downtown Revitalization Initiative funding.

“First, on behalf of the Village of Lowville Board of Trustees, its residents, and the DRI committee, I would like to thank Governor Hochul and staff for this gift. We are excited to receive the announcement of the DRI project awards that will enhance our community,” said Mayor Dan Salmon.

Be sure to listen to our latest on-air segment with Mayor Salmon from Thursday, May 22, 2025:

According to officials, these DRI projects are focused on transforming its downtown into a more vibrant neighborhood through private and public sector project opportunities that will achieve its vision for the downtown.

The 10 Lowville DRI projects, totaling $9.7 million, include:

1. Improve Access and Parking at Veteran’s Memorial Park Creating a Safe and Inviting Space ($2,848,000): Reconfigure the parking lot at Veteran’s Memorial Park to create a welcoming gateway, improving access and increasing pedestrian safety. Key features include an improved entrance from State Street, curb bump-outs, upgraded sidewalks, green infrastructure for storm-water management, and new street trees. A formal monument sign will mark the park entrance, while parking improvements on Parkway Drive will optimize access and aesthetics.
2. Revitalize State Street to Enhance Safety, Accessibility, and Aesthetics in Downtown Lowville ($1,711,000): Enhance safety, accessibility and aesthetics through the installation of high-visibility crosswalks, curb bump-outs, Rectangular Rapid Flash Beacons, street tree plantings and green infrastructure to manage storm-water runoff and beautify the area.
3. Renovate the Stevens Block to Create Market Rate Apartments at 7623 N State Street ($1,558,000): Renovate an abandoned space at 7623 N State Street, creating market-rate residential units on the upper floors, with comprehensive upgrades including a new vestibule, stairwell, energy-efficient systems and exterior improvements.
4. Restore the Historic Keller Red Building to Create a Mixed-Use Commercial and Residential Space ($1,193,000): Preserve a historic downtown building by renovating its second and third stories into commercial and residential spaces, establishing a professional office space, enhancing meeting capabilities for
5. Naturally Lewis, and upgrading the building’s structural, mechanical, and safety systems.
6. Rehabilitate the Historic Masonic Temple into an Efficient Community Hub ($776,000): Rehabilitate the historic National Register-listed Masonic Temple building in downtown Lowville, enhancing its role as a center for historical preservation, education, and cultural activities while modernizing its facilities for energy efficiency to serve the community and promote heritage tourism.
7. Establish a Small Project Fund to Enhance Downtown Lowville ($400,000): The Small Project Fund will support smaller projects in downtown Lowville with improvements such as facade restoration and improvement, interior renovation, signage, public art, and business assistance.
8. Develop a Downtown Branding and Wayfinding Strategy to Enhance Lowville’s Identity ($358,000): Revitalize its downtown area through a comprehensive initiative that includes a branding and marketing strategy, a wayfinding signage system, and interpretive elements that highlight local history.
9. Reimagine Veteran’s Park to create Community Space with Modern Amenities and Enhanced Accessibility ($320,000): Upgrade Veteran’s Park with improvements that aim to create a vibrant and accessible community space.
10. Restore the Historic Town Hall Theater into a Community Asset ($294,000): Restore a historic building to its original state while modernizing its functionality, including facade restoration, window replacement, interior renovations, stage construction, and technological upgrades to create a versatile cultural center for the community.
11. Reopen 5423 Shady Avenue to Create a Mixed-Use Building ($242,000): Renovate the second floor into a functional law office, restoring the building’s integrity, while transforming the long-vacant third floor into safe, and affordable mid to long-term housing.

According to the Governor's office, Lowville’s investments will build on its past and ongoing efforts to make the downtown a regional center for business and culture, drawing on its position as the “intersection corridor of the Thousand Islands, the Tug Hill Plateau and the Adirondack Mountains.”

“Our North Country communities embody strength, resilience and a spirit of determination — that’s why I’m investing in 22 transformation projects that give every resident and business the opportunity to reach their full potential,” Governor Hochul said.

“Our towns and villages are the foundation of what makes New York special, and we’re giving them the tools they need to better their communities as a whole.”

The Downtown Revitalization Initiative was created in 2016 to accelerate and expand the revitalization of downtowns and neighborhoods in all ten regions of the state to serve as centers of activity and catalysts for investment.

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 strengthen its economy, as well as to achieving the State's bold climate goals by promoting the use of public transit and reducing dependence on private vehicles.

Through nine rounds, the DRI has awarded a total of $900 million to 91 communities across every region of the State.

Village of Lowville image.