City Accepting RFP’s for 109 South William Street

One of the most desirable, yet unnoticed warehouses in Newburgh is finally up for sale through the city. They are officially accepting proposals for the purchase and rehabilitation of city-owned property, 109 South William Street. Proposals are due by mail or in person to the City of Newburgh no later than 4:00 PM Friday, December 15th, 2017.

The City is seeking a developer to rehabilitate this building for an owner-occupant, for-profit commercial use that will create jobs in the community and add tax revenue to the City. The owner-occupant business must agree to a minimum of a five-year occupancy. The possibilities are endless here for anything from manufacturing to office space. Hopefully, a business can occupy the space that will help encourage foot traffic to the area to patronize the up and coming smaller businesses and shops opening on Liberty Street. From a personal standpoint, a business that is aware of their sidewalk presence is highly desirable. The eye level sidewalk windows have been sealed off by bricks. Atlas Industries across the street has shown the advantages of opening up sealed windows and the difference it can make to the community and passerby’s.

Location Location Location:

This building is just around the corner from the revitalizing Liberty Street corridor. Targeted development of 109 South Street could exponentially increase these efforts by bringing the revitalization west and south on Liberty Street. Champion examples of warehouse reuse in the city are Atlas Industries and the Newburgh Brewing Company. Currently, you can drive down Liberty Street and see many restaurants and shops that are already in operation. Here’s a list of other projects that are not as visible, your potential neighbors:

  • The Liberty Street School: undergoing major renovations to become a multi-use creative space. ETA 2018-2019 in phases.
  • 2 Liberty: A condemned building being rehabilitated. Project completion ETA 2018 with an exciting ground use space planned.
  • 15 Liberty: A new coffee shop to southern Liberty Street with a combined art gallery.
  • 21 Liberty Street: aka the old Resnick’s Mattress Factory. Home to a shrimp farmer and storage for the Motorcyclepedia Museum, with more space available for rent.
  • 36 Liberty Street: Under development by Newburgh City Living that has accomplished other projects in the city. There will be a ground floor retail space.
  • 47-49 Liberty Street: Also under development by Newburgh City Living. Residential project.
  • 109 Liberty Street: Future site of the Velocipede Bicycle Museum. ETA Spring 2018.
  • 110 Liberty Street: Future menswear boutique. ETA end of 2017

Building History:

The building was constructed in 1895 for the firm of Staples and Hanford. It served as their headquarters for manufacturing of the “Staples Indestructible Spring Work”, a patented design used in the production of upholstered furniture, seats, and carriage cushions.

The building has gone through several transformations in the intervening years. During the 1940’s and the 1950’s, it housed a dress manufacturer, the Bernice Dress Corp., and an underwear manufacturer, Chesnin Leis & Co. Inc. Throughout the 1960’s, it was the home of the Sun-Ray Factory Clothing Outlet as well as Murray’s Lunch. During the last few decades, the building was used mainly as a warehouse for a variety of materials and merchandise.

Make sure to consult the RFP request to see full details on permitted uses and possible tax exemptions.

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