HOMER, NY (WHCU) – Governor Hochul is touting the state’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative grant program.

Hochul recently highlighted projects chosen by winning communities, saying the program boosts tourism, improves housing, and keeps historic buildings thriving. Eleven projects have gotten the green light in Homer, which won the $10 million DRI economic development grant in late 2023 and has spent the subsequent time planning.

The state has shared the following project details:

  • $1.42 million to improve the Homer Festival Grounds, including developing an east/west pathway and overflow parking.
  • $139k to restore the Village Food Market interior.
  • $1.17 million to initiate redevelopment of the historic Little White Church on the Village Green.
  • $3.5 million to transform the 1825 Manor at Briggs Hall into a Boutique Hotel with dining, a lounge, and conference facilities. It will be attached to a Wellness Spa on a neighboring property.
  • $500k to administer a small projects fund to finance interior and exterior building improvements to downtown’s historic buildings.
  • $300k to create a downtown marketing and signage program to draw more visitors into Historic Homer.
  • $500k to develop a 3,000-square-foot Wellness Spa in a deteriorating residential building. It will be attached to the Boutique Hotel.
  • $396k to develop commercial space on Wall Street. The 11 Wall Street building will undergo extensive renovation and restoration “evocative of a Victorian-era train station.” It will include a cafe, indoor and outdoor seating, local art and gift items, and an arts space. A trail to the Tioughnioga River will lead patrons to the water’s edge.
  • $652k to construct a Riverwalk Overlook on the banks of the Tioughnioga River and Homer Festival Grounds as part of a future Riverwalk project. The Overlook will have a plaza that can host small outdoor events
  • $823k to develop a commercial kitchen, community center, and year-round farmers market. It will be located in a renovated space at 41 James Street.
  • $300k to restore the Water Street Bridge including, painting, lighting, and railings compliant with environmental, transportation, ad historic preservation agency requirements. It will be reopened for pedestrian use.

Project renderings are available here.