GLENFIELD, NY – Naturally Lewis, in partnership with Lewis County, completed a Request for Expressions of Interest (RFEI) and Request for Proposals (RFP) process to identify parties interested in acquiring and redeveloping a 6.9-acre former elementary school property at 5960 Main Street in Glenfield, NY. The Glenfield School Redevelopment Committee is recommending that Lewis County move forward with a proposal submitted by Rochester’s Cornerstone Group Ltd.
Rochester’s Cornerstone Group submitted a full proposal to revitalize the Glenfield School into 50 senior living units, including new construction and a public park to be donated to the Town of Martinsburg. The project is estimated to be $21 million, and will include six studio apartments, forty-four one-bedroom apartments, and four two-bedroom apartments. The senior living community will target seniors 62+, and will provide a community-atmosphere, offering on-site amenities such as a community room, fitness center, on-site laundry and more.
“Rochester's Cornerstone Group is very pleased to announce our partnership with Naturally Lewis and Lewis County in converting the former Glenfield Elementary School into much-needed independent senior living. This is an important undertaking that will offer safe, comfortable, and affordable housing options to seniors in Lewis County. We are honored to have been selected by Naturally Lewis as the designated developer for the site. Rochester’s Cornerstone Group has an impeccable track record, and we are confident this project will be a tremendous success and a huge win for the community. The creation of new housing options for seniors to live independently and age-in-place in their community can have a profound impact on their lives, providing them with a sense of stability, community, and belonging,” stated Rob Loud, Senior Development Project Manager, Rochester’s Cornerstone Group.
“The partnership with Rochester’s Cornerstone Group is truly a win-win for Lewis County. The County reclaims its investment in the Glenfield School building through the sale of the property, and, more importantly, an experienced developer is primed to invest millions into our community and provide much-needed housing opportunities for Lewis County seniors,” stated Larry Dolhof, Chairman of the Lewis County Board of Legislators.
"This project is a true testimony of the importance of connections and the power of the North Country to bring people back. We are excited to welcome Rochester’s Cornerstone Group and the Brandt family, founders of RCG, back to the North Country, as their ties run deep as St. Lawrence University alumni, and more excited that they chose Lewis County for their next investment. This partnership, and project, will be transformational for our community,” stated Brittany Davis, Executive Director, Naturally Lewis.
The previous Glenfield Elementary School Building is currently owned by Lewis County and is being utilized as temporary office space by County Departments. Naturally Lewis, in partnership with Lewis County, were looking for respondents that had a vision for the property that will support economic growth in the local community and region. Through studies and analysis, housing was deemed as the priority end use for the site. In 2021, the Lewis County Planning and Community Development Department engaged MRB Group to conduct a Market Analysis and Reuse Plan on the property, which identified housing as a possibility. In 2022, Lewis County engaged LaBella Associates to conduct a Housing Needs Assessment that also identified that senior living should be a priority for future development. A Glenfield School Redevelopment Ad Hoc Committee was formed that included representatives from Lewis County and the Lewis County Development Corporation board of directors, to review the proposals and make recommendations to Lewis County.
The final project scope and implementation is contingent upon receiving financing and tax credits through the New York State Office of Homes and Community Renewal. It is expected that, upon County, Town and NYS approvals, construction can begin in Fall 2024.
Rochester’s Cornerstone Group will provide a presentation of their proposal at the Lewis County Finance and Rules Committee Meeting on May 16, 3pm, at the Lewis County Courthouse.
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About Naturally Lewis
Lewis County Economic Development, through its boards, the IDA and LCDC, and its brand, Naturally Lewis, are championing the growth of a community where people what to live, work, build business, and play. We believe growth comes from thoughtful risk taking, and foster forward thinking and relationship building, connecting people, businesses, partnerships, and resources to grow our county.
About Rochester’s Cornerstone Group Ltd.
Formed in 1990 by Roger Brandt, Rochester’s Cornerstone Group Ltd. has become a leader in affordable housing development in Upstate New York. Since being formed, Cornerstone has created or preserved more than 3,000 units of affordable housing in upstate New York. These projects serve a wide range of people, including families, the elderly, individuals with mobility impairments or people with developmental disabilities. Cornerstone has also brokered dozens of commercial properties in the region, ranging from professional office space to vacant land to industrial parks, as well as developed multiple commercial properties, from new construction to historic renovation.
About Lewis County
Lewis County prides itself on building and supporting the community to improve quality of life for generations to come. Through collaboration, fiscal responsibility and innovation, Lewis County provides quality professional services and supports the needs and growth of our growing community.