The City of Hornell is hoping to lift up a proposal that would change the look of Hornell’s downtown skyline.

During its May meeting, the Common Council approved a Restore New York grant application to support redevelopment of the Landman Building on Main Street. The project would transform the corner building into a mixed-use facility featuring office space, living space and art studios.

It would also add a third story, giving the entry to Main Street a decidedly different look.

“It’s an exciting project. It’s right in the heart of downtown,” said Mayor John Buckley. “Adding a third floor to a building would certainly change the outward appearance of the building and open it up to a lot more possibilities.”

The city is requesting the maximum award of $2 million in support of the project. The Restore NY program offers municipalities financial assistance to support the revitalization of commercial and residential properties.

Landman Building project in the works since 2019

The Landman Building project was previously awarded $1.5 million through Hornell’s $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative, marking the largest award to a private project. The entire project was budgeted at $3 million, including $1 million for the third-floor buildout.

The DRI award and subsequent project budgets were made before the COVID-19 pandemic contributed to significant delays and spiking inflation, though, and the Landman Building now requires supplemental funding, said Buckley.

“The city was awarded the DRI pre-COVID, and now everyone is dealing with inflation. It’s really thrown a monkey wrench into financing,” Buckley said. “We’re trying to supplement some of these projects where we can.”

Hornell has successfully targeted Restore NY funding in the past, including for downtown housing projects like the Federation Building Redevelopment Project, which was awarded $1.5 million. While the city requested $2 million for the Landman Building, the project award could come in under that figure.

What is envisioned at the Landman Building

Buckley said the designs for the Landman Building have remained largely the same during the delay in construction.

The DRI award called for the renovation of the existing building to create a mixed-use development, including four efficiency art studios, commercial and retail space, six apartment units, four townhomes and a rooftop terrace area and community room.

The initial DRI application projected a 12-15 month construction phase.

The Landman Building was selected for DRI funding with an eye on these short and long-term benefits:

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• Create new retail activity.

• Develop new market rate living options in downtown Hornell.

• Provide community programming space for residents of the Landman Building and the city.

• Increase daytime traffic and local spending in downtown Hornell.

• Encourage new residents to live in downtown Hornell.

• Increase the physical continuity of Hornell’s downtown and facilitate a walkable downtown that is home to artists and active retail.

The Landman Building covers 83-93 Main St. The building currently features signage for Howard Hanna Real Estate Services, Miss Natale’s Dance Centre, and the Donlon Law Office.

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The building was constructed in 1930, according to county records.

It was purchased by Hewan and Stacie Fraser of the Bronx for $395,000 in 2019. Ironshore Properties, LLC sponsored the DRI project application.

This article originally appeared on The Evening Tribune: Hornell targets Landman Building funding. Here’s what’s planned.