MASSENA— Work to permanently reinforce the structure of the former Massena School of Business is expected to begin in January.
The first work to permanently fortify the historic structure is expected to begin this winter, officials from the St. Lawrence County Industrial Development Agency reported at a board meeting Dec. 18.
The rehabilitation is being funded in large part by $1.9 million in downtown revitalization funds, all of which will pass through the IDA.
St. Lawrence County IDA CEO Patrick Kelly noted Dec. 18 that the steel to permanently support the facade is currently being fabricated, which Kelly said should be complete “by the end of the year.”
Erecting of the steel is expected to happen in the first week of January.
Installation of concrete pad, hardscape, and landscape will occur after winter, likely in April.
Kelly noted that the IDA has been working with Empire State Development about the release of the funds, with the first payment expected in Spring.
IDA members noted that the project is still progressing within budget.
In July, the structure suffered a partial collapse at its rear, prompting village officials to enact a more immediate response to shore up the structure.
Massena was awarded the $10 million DRI award in Dec. 2021. That money is intended to enhance the downtown area with a streetscape project while investing in a number of small businesses.
As part of the project, the St. Lawrence County IDA received $1.9 million in funding from the New York State Empire State Development Revitalization program to rehab the School of Business structure.