Empire State Development Announces Demolition of Canton Midtown Plaza, Advancing $27M-Plus Redevelopment Project

Planned mixed-use project will bring new housing and SUNY Canton's Entrepreneurship Center to downtown Canton

Empire State Development today announced the demolition of downtown Canton's Midtown Plaza, advancing a planned $27 million-plus mixed-use project that will bring new housing and SUNY Canton's Entrepreneurship Center to the North Country. Demolition of the long-vacant plaza on Miner Street will prepare the property for site redevelopment, representing an important step toward returning the core downtown site to productive use. Developed by Vecino Group, the project will combine modern downtown living with state-of-the-art space dedicated to regional entrepreneurship and business development. New York State has committed more than $6.8 million in direct assistance to support the redevelopment.

"By clearing away years of blight and investment stagnation, we are making room for downtown Canton's vibrant future," said Governor Kathy Hochul. "This $27 million project demonstrates the power of state and local collaboration-turning a long-vacant site into a thriving hub for high-quality housing, economic development, and academic partnership through SUNY Canton. We will continue investing in shovel-ready projects across the North Country that strengthen our communities and empower local businesses."

"The Village is excited to see the Midtown Plaza project moving into the next phase," said Village of Canton Mayor Michael E. Dalton. "Projects like this often take time to come together and this is no exception. Now that funding and approvals for demolition are in place, it is important from a public safety perspective - and extremely rewarding - to see this huge step forward. We are so pleased to be a part of the dynamic partnerships that are making this transformative redevelopment happen. Good things are happening in the Village."

"SUNY Canton is thrilled to see this project moving forward after years of hard work and productive partnerships," said SUNY Canton President Zvi Szafran. "We are grateful to the Village of Canton and the Vecino Group for believing in this transformative vision for Canton and we look forward to our continued work together to bring it to life."

The Midtown Plaza redevelopment calls for a three-story, mixed-use building with residential units; an Entrepreneurship Center operated by SUNY Canton; and 2,500 square feet of commercial and retail space. The Entrepreneurship Center will serve as the commercial anchor, offering a small business incubator, co-working stations, conference facilities, and business development resources.

"This is an important step toward bringing Midtown Plaza back into the daily life of downtown Canton," said Rob Holzman, Vice President of Planning & Acquisitions for Vecino Group. "We're honored to help shape its next chapter and grateful to the Village, SUNY Canton and our funding partners for their collaboration and commitment to moving this project forward."

The project will also deliver substantial site improvements, transforming parking lots and surrounding grounds into an attractive 3.76-acre public space seamlessly integrated with Canton's Main Street corridor.

The phase announced today-demolition and environmental abatement at the plaza, which has sat largely vacant since 2000 following the closure of Jubilee-is expected to be completed by late October.

New York State has committed more than $6.8 million in direct assistance to support the redevelopment, including:

• $2 Million Restore NY Award: Awarded to the Village of Canton through New York State's Restore NY Communities Initiative-administered by Empire State Development-to support site revitalization, abatement, demolition, and reconstruction.
• $2 Million NY Forward Award: Funding granted from the Department of State and administered by New York State Homes and Community Renewal to support plaza redevelopment. In 2024, the Village of Canton was selected as a $4.5 million NY Forward Round 2 awardee for the North Country region.
• $1.5 Million Northern New York Power Proceeds Award: Awarded by the New York Power Authority (NYPA) to Vecino Group to fund machinery, equipment, furniture, and fixtures for the Innovation Center.
• $1.322 Million Regional Council Capital Fund Grant: Awarded by Empire State Development to SUNY Canton to support overall site redevelopment and center construction.

Complementing state support, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) awarded $2.641 million via Congressionally Directed Spending, supported by U.S. Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand. National Grid further contributed a $300,000 grant through its Brownfield Redevelopment Assistance Program to assist with site abatement, demolition, and site preparation.

Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Hope Knight said, "Under Governor Hochul's leadership, targeted state investments in downtown cores are driving real economic growth across New York State. Demolishing the long-vacant Midtown Plaza clears the path for dynamic new housing and commercial innovation in Canton, and ESD is proud to partner with the Village, Vecino Group and SUNY Canton to build a stronger, more resilient local economy."

New York Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley said, "Today marks and important step as we begin to transform this long-vacant plaza into a vibrant community asset that will provide much-needed housing to the North Country and contribute to the economic growth of a region that has so much to offer residents, businesses and visitors. This project provides proof that there are creative opportunities for new housing even in places like old, abandoned shopping centers, and Governor Hochul is capitalizing on those opportunities here in Canton and throughout the State. The Department of State is thrilled to be contributing to the project's success through the NY Forward program. Congratulations to Canton for taking this major step forward in the revitalization of its downtown."

New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner and CEO RuthAnne Visnauskas said, "Governor Hochul understands that building stronger, more affordable communities means investing in both housing and the economic opportunities that help them thrive. The redevelopment of Midtown Plaza will transform a long-vacant property in the heart of Canton into a vibrant destination with new homes, commercial space, and resources to support local entrepreneurs and small businesses. Through the NY Forward program, we are proud to help advance this exciting project, which will bring new life to downtown Canton, strengthen the local economy and create lasting opportunities for North Country residents."

New York Power Authority President and CEO Justin E. Driscoll said, "Today's milestone in the redevelopment of the Midtown Plaza marks a pivotal moment for downtown Canton and the North Country. The development of the Innovation Center, supported by $1.5 million in NYPA Power Proceeds funding, will help spark new economic activity by providing entrepreneurs with the support and resources they need to launch and grow their businesses. This project will create jobs and strengthen the region's economic momentum, advancing a transformative investment that will benefit St. Lawrence County for years to come."

North Country Regional Economic Development Council Co-Chair Dr. Kate Morris said, "Clearing away years of vacancy at Midtown Plaza opens an exciting new chapter for downtown Canton. This milestone is a powerful demonstration of what happens when regional leadership, higher education, and community partners unite behind a shared vision for downtown revitalization. The creation of the Entrepreneurship Center alongside modern residential space will serve as a vital catalyst for economic opportunity, attracting top talent and driving innovation across the North Country."

Senator Charles Schumer said, "The long-awaited demolition of Canton's Midtown Plaza will breathe new life into downtown, create good-paying jobs, increase the supply of affordable housing, and attract new businesses to St. Lawrence County. I was proud to secure more than $2.6 million to support SUNY Canton, promote entrepreneurship, and restore this vacant property to productive use. I will never stop fighting to bring home the federal dollars needed to build a brighter future for students and families across the North Country."

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said, "The redevelopment of Midtown Plaza is a game-changer for downtown Canton. As ranking member of the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Subcommittee on the Senate Appropriations Committee, I was proud to help personally secure over $2.6 million in federal funding to advance this long overdue project. Demolishing this vacant site isn't just about clearing space; it is about paving the way for more housing, empowering local entrepreneurs through SUNY Canton, and giving Canton's local economy an opportunity to flourish."

National Grid Regional Director of External Affairs Alberto Bianchetti said, "The energy sector plays an important role in economic development. In addition to ensuring our customers have access to the energy they need to operate, our economic development programs assist companies that upgrade their energy infrastructure, and rehabilitate brownfields and dormant properties in prominent locations, all of which can add or preserve jobs and stimulate economic growth. The Midtown Plaza project is an opportunity to renew and revive a property at in the center of Canton, and inject new life into the local economy with the establishment of an entrepreneurship center."

About Empire State Development

Empire State Development is New York's chief economic development agency, and promotes business growth, job creation, and greater economic opportunity throughout the state. With offices in each of the state's 10 regions, ESD oversees the Regional Economic Development Councils, supports broadband equity through the ConnectALL office, and is growing the workforce of tomorrow through the Office of Strategic Workforce Development. The agency engages with emerging and next generation industries like clean energy and semiconductor manufacturing looking to grow in New York State, operates a network of assistance centers to help small businesses grow and succeed, and promotes the state's world class tourism destinations through I LOVE NY. For more information, please visit esd.ny.gov, and connect with ESD on LinkedIn, Facebook, and X.

Contact:

Laura Magee (ESD) | [email protected] | (716) 846-8239 | (800) 260-7313

Hayley Alaxanian (DOS) | [email protected] | (518) 530-9922