Construction of the State St. Event Plaza in downtown Auburn is expected to be finished by the end of the month.
Former Kalet Department Store site will be transformed into an event space
The city is optimistic, having already scheduled musical performances at the venue every Wednesday in August, beginning with “Nuclear Ukulele” on August 3.
DESCRIPTION: Centrally located in downtown Auburn, the State Street Public Plaza project will redevelop the site of the former Kalet’s Department Store into a public space. Improvements include filling the site, installation of pavement treatments, retaining walls, ornamental piers, electrical service, lighting and ground outlets, storm utility work, landscaping, and site amenities. This project was identified as a priority project in round 3 of the New York State, Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) and will be partially funded through the program.
PROJECT SITE: The project site is located at 1-7 State Street. Being centrally located downtown, the property is surrounded by residential, commercial, and small businesses. The street will remain open during construction; however, there may be certain times that deliveries require temporary use of the street and may result in a temporary closure. Limited parking will remain on State Street. Parking is available on Genesee Street, the Dill Street Parking lot, and the parking garage. For parking garage rates and hours please visit: https://www.auburnny.gov/parking-city-auburn/pages/parking-garage-inform…
PROJECT DESIGN TEAM: The City of Auburn State Street Public Plaza project team includes city staff with representatives from the Office of Planning and Economic Development and Municipal Utilities. Bergmann-Architects Engineers Planners, Rochester, NY is the design lead. Popli Design Group, Rochester, NY is the construction inspection firm. Crane-Hogan Structural Systems, Spencerport NY is the lead construction team for the project.
Related: Auburn City Council authorizes improvements to State St. Public Plaza
Project funded partly with DRI money
PROJECT BUDGET: The total cost of the State Street Public Plaza project is estimated to be $1.4 million and will be funded through the following sources:
- $ 1 million – NYS DOS grant from the Auburn Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI)
- $ 400,000 – City of Auburn Bond Ordinance #1 of 2020
- $ 171,114 – Grant funding from the Emerson Foundation
