STATE OFFICIAL TOURS PROJECT

Empire State Development President Dennis M. Mullen learned first hand Monday morning that the north country is using the state's investment for nails, plaster and plywood.

Between stops at Great Lakes Cheese in Adams and the Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority, ESD's chief toured Riverview Plaza to make a brief inspection of the work being performed on the formerly abandoned warehouse on Newell Street.

"This is perfect," he said, while viewing a two-bedroom apartment that overlooks the Black River. "Everything I saw, I'm seeing and I've touched is dollars we've committed toward the development of this community."

Through its Restore NY Communities grant program, ESD awarded $1 million to project developers Michael A. Treanor, Gerry Lepkanich and Anthony Ardito. Renovating the warehouse is expected to cost $2.5 million.

"This is exactly what Restore New York is," he said. "This is taking an existing building and developing it into something that is useful and vital to the community."

Throughout the tour, dusty workers stopped briefly, surprised at the sight of officials in tailored suits gushing at the project's progress. The echo of hammers and saws broke conversations about rental rates, pre-leased apartments and grant requirements.

Once complete, Riverview Plaza will be include 31 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, four commercial spaces, storage areas and a laundry room. Many of the apartments Mr. Mullen toured included large windows, carpeted living rooms and exposed brick walls.

Mr. Treanor, who did not attend the event, said he expects tenants to move in by Dec. 15. At that point, crews still will have to finish work on the ground floor and hallways.

General contractor Randy Baker, who led the tour, said seven apartments and two commercial spaces already have been leased. Mr. Baker is the owner of Canton Fabrications, the company Mr. Treanor also hired to restore the Buckley Building in Carthage.

"We really wanted to keep the unique aspects of the building," he said. "We've done this project with preserving the history of the building in mind."

The Newell Street project is across from another vacant building, at 500 Newell St., that also may have a brighter future.

City records indicate the property was sold Oct. 30 for $300,000 to Hole Brothers Holding LLC, Chaumont.

Reginald J. Schweitzer Jr., a principal of the company, has said he plans to develop the property as a restaurant and conference area.

Last summer, the city also installed a deck, walkway and parking areas along the river to draw residents to the site.

"I think this reinforces, hopefully, the fact that it was a good investment for the community," City Manager Mary M. Corriveau said of the Riverview project.

"The synergy of this project with Mr. Treanor, the infrastructure the city put in along the river and the proposed restaurant facility across the street just makes that area one that is going to continue to draw people."

Mr. Treanor said he is happy with the progress being made by the contractor.

"The contractors did an amazing job on the Buckley," he said. "I know they have a passionate group of guys over there who know how to put together projects."

ON THE NET

Michael Treanor's projects: www.watertown4rent.com