Schenectady, N.Y., September 18, 2006 — Metroplex today joined with City and County leaders to announce plans to issue a request for proposals (RFP) to developers who may be interested in redeveloping the former weigh station building on Broadway in downtown Schenectady.
Mayor Brian U. Stratton said, “The weigh station is one of the most architecturally unique and historic structures in downtown Schenectady. With all of the development that is underway throughout our downtown, now is the time to seek proposals for the re-use of the weigh station. Our goal will be to preserve, restore and enhance this beautiful building creating another development project for downtown.”
Gary Hughes Chair of the County Legislature’s Committee on Economic Development said, “Broadway is now home to a new office building, another office and retail building that will break ground shortly, the new Villa Italia Bakery, the new headquarters for Utech Products, the new cinema/office complex and soon the start of demolition for the former Dorp Salvage Buildings. This is the major entrance way to Schenectady and we hope that this RFP will spark interest by developers in a site that has plentiful parking and is located in close proximity to Proctors and the other new downtown attractions that are coming on line in the next year.”
Mark W. Blanchfield, President of the City Council said, “This request for proposals is yet another example of our efforts to adaptively re-use yet another piece of Schenectady’s history. For years people have been asking “what is that interesting building in the middle of the Broadway parking lots?” When this is all done, we are certain we will have an exciting answer to this age-old Schenectady question.”
The weigh station is located at 312 Broadway. The facility is owned by the City and leased to Metroplex. Metroplex operates a 323 car parking lot and that adjoins the site and the nearby parking garage with more than 1,100 parking spaces.
The weigh station was built in the 1920’s. The facility was used to weigh and measure produce and other commodities at a public market that existed at the site.
Metroplex is seeking a developer who will propose an adaptive reuse of the structure that will restore and preserve the historic character of the building adding to the redevelopment of downtown.
Developers may also submit plans to re-use the building for commercial purposes that will create jobs and new tax base.
The goal of the project is to preserve and highlight the building as part of improvements to the Broadway corridor, the major entrance way to downtown Schenectady.
The building will be conveyed as is. The weigh station is more than two stories tall with a footprint of 1,500 square feet.
Developers will be selected based on the best proposal to restore and preserve the building. Metroplex will also consider experience with similar redevelopment projects and best value offered in terms of lease or purchase price.
Ray Gillen, Metroplex Chair said, “In recent months, we have been contacted by three different developers who may be interested in the weigh station. To obtain the best plan and best value for this site, we thought that the best way to proceed was to issue an RFP and see what kind of project we can put together in cooperation with City and County officials.”
Copies of the RFP may be obtained by contacting Metroplex at 518-377-1109. Proposals are due by November 30th at 2 pm.