Hornell moves forward on latest DRI project: How $2.9M investment will transform downtown
The second major project under the umbrella of Hornell's $10 million state Downtown Revitalization Initiative is nearly shovel ready, with officials outlining an undertaking that will transform the Maple City's downtown.
The project aims to improve Hornell's streetscapes and alleyways around Main Street. In August, the Hornell Board of Public Works awarded a $2.9 million contract to C.P. Ward for the work, which follows the Union Square Park project, the first initiative to be realized under the state-funding bonanza.
“We are pleased the competitive bid from C.P. Ward aligned well with our budget," Hornell Mayor John Buckley said in a statement issued by the city.
"As the Union Square Park project nears completion, we are thrilled to move forward with this second project, where you will really begin to see how the DRI is going to transform our downtown.”
What will be accomplished in latest DRI project
The Hornell streetscapes and alleyway improvements will include sidewalk replacements, upgraded benches, new trees, enhanced accessibility and add electrical components.
As envisioned, the focus is creating modern functionality and appearances, while keeping the "quaint and hometown feel of the city," officials said.
The project's scope extends across key corridors, encompassing improvements along Main Street, spanning from Center Street to Seneca Street, as well as along Broadway.
Alleyway improvements to Pave Alley are also planned in the upgrade.
Additionally, the sidewalk areas between Seneca Street and Genesee Street and between Seneca Street and Maple City Drive have been added to the project and accepted in the bid.
"While we have much to be proud of that promotes a vibrant and accessible downtown, the addition of wayfinding and signage will be helpful for visitors; guiding them to downtown destinations while highlighting opportunities, such as free parking," Buckley said in a press release.
"The new public art will increase attractiveness for both residents and visitors, providing eye-catching appeal to everyone who ventures downtown."
Timeline for Hornell downtown DRI project
According to Hornell officials, with the bid awarded, the next step in the process is establishing a timeline for the work. While the details are still being worked out, preliminary plans indicate work may begin this autumn and conclude within a year, wrapping up sometime in 2024, the city said.
Hornell officials pledged to closely collaborate with the local business community to minimize disruptions and services through the duration of the project.
"As with many construction projects, we understand that there will be a brief disruption, and we encourage patience as we work to bring these once-in-a-generation improvements to our community," the city said in the press release.
More: Union Square takes shape in Hornell: How new park will change downtown
How we got here
Hornell made headlines across the state in fall 2019, when the city was named the Southern Tier’s recipient of $10 million. The funding was awarded through Round IV of the state’s highly sought-after Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI), with then-Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul delivering an oversized $10 million check to local officials who promised the money would be a “game-changer” for the city’s downtown.
Hornell’s DRI projects got behind the schedule envisioned when the city was awarded the funding as the COVID-19 pandemic put a pause on the state review process.
Union Square was also among the big-ticket items funded with a portion of Hornell’s $10 million award, with $765,000 earmarked to the project.
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This article originally appeared on The Evening Tribune: Hornell downtown facelift continues with $2.9M project. What to know
