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Facilities Projects

Facilities projects involve the maintenance, renovation, expansion, or construction of Village-owned buildings and operational facilities. These projects help ensure that municipal facilities remain safe, functional, efficient, and capable of supporting public services.

Facility improvements may include public safety buildings, municipal offices, Department of Public Works facilities, utility operations, energy efficiency upgrades, accessibility improvements, and long-term capital planning for Village-owned properties.

The Village evaluates facility projects based on operational needs, public benefit, long-term costs, safety requirements, and financial sustainability.

Public Safety Building

Project Description

The Public Safety Building project is intended to address long-standing facility needs for Saranac Lake’s emergency services. The project has focused on creating a modern facility to support the Village Police Department, the Saranac Lake Volunteer Fire Department, and the Saranac Lake Volunteer Rescue Squad.

The Village established a Public Safety Facility reserve fund in 2022, created a Public Safety Building Committee, issued an RFQ for architectural services, and hired Wendel Five Bugles to complete feasibility, space needs, existing conditions, and design work. The Village’s project page includes feasibility reports, asbestos inspection materials, survey documents, design contracts, environmental review materials, draft plans, and a May 2026 schematic design report.

The project has been centered on the 33 Petrova Avenue property, the former St. Pius X / North Star property, which the Village has evaluated as a potential unified public safety site. Local reporting notes that the proposed facility would serve fire, rescue, and police operations, and that environmental and geotechnical studies were pursued to answer site-related questions and support grant readiness.

Project Status

The project remains in planning and schematic design. Environmental, geotechnical, feasibility, and design work have been completed or advanced, but final scope, cost, funding plan, and site decisions should be confirmed before construction proceeds. The Village received a draft schematic design report in May 2026.

Funding Summary

Project Cost: To be confirmed
Grant Award Amount: $4.5 million federal Congressionally Directed Spending award
Granting Agency / Source: Federal funding administered through USDA; Congressionally Directed Spending requested by Rep. Elise Stefanik
Village Funds: Public Safety Facility Reserve Fund; additional Village share to be confirmed
Other Funding: To be confirmed

Local reporting states that the federal award is intended to help build a new facility for police, fire, and ambulance services, and that environmental review was needed for the Village to officially access the $4.5 million award.

Reports

Schematic Design Report

Geotechnical Exploration Report

KAS Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment Report

Village of Saranac Lake PSB Final Feasibility Report - PART 1

Village of Saranac Lake PSB Final Feasibility Report - PART 2

Village of Saranac Lake PSB Final Feasibility Report - PART 3

Village of Saranac Lake PSB Final Feasibility Report - PART 4

Village of Saranac Lake PSB Final Feasibility Report - PART 5

Village of Saranac Lake PSB Final Feasibility Report - PART 6a

Village of Saranac Lake PSB Final Feasibility Report - PART 6b

Village of Saranac Lake PSB Final Feasibility Report - PART 6c

Village of Saranac Lake PSB Final Feasibility Report - PART 7

Village of Saranac Lake PSB Final Feasibility Report - PART 8

Village of Saranac Lake PSB Final Feasibility Report - PART 9

2022 Landmark Historic Building Condition Assessment Report

2018 Historic Building Assessment Report for 3 Main Street

2012 Emergency Services Facilities Assessment

Click here for additional project information

1–3 Main Street

Project Description

The 1–3 Main Street project focuses on the long-term restoration and reuse of the Village-owned historic Power & Light property at the foot of Main Street. The site includes the former Paul Smith’s Electric Light and Power building, the powerhouse, dam-related infrastructure, hydroelectric components, public access areas, and connections to the Riverwalk.

Current work includes the 1–3 Main Street Waterway Restoration Project, which will repair and restore the basement waterway, penstock, turbine components, and related systems needed to support continued hydroelectric generation. This work helps protect a historic Village asset, maintain public infrastructure, and offset municipal energy costs. Village planning documents identify the project as part of the Capital Improvement Plan.

The property is also being evaluated for a potential lease and redevelopment partnership with the New York State Adirondack Park Agency for a future headquarters location. Under the draft term sheet, the APA would renovate the Office Building and Power House and construct a new building with upgraded parking, while excluding the Riverwalk, park, shoreline, canoe launch, dam infrastructure, hydroelectric turbine generator, and related public infrastructure from the leased premises.

Project Status

The Village has accepted grant funding for the waterway restoration project. The APA headquarters proposal remains subject to continued due diligence, negotiation of a final lease, and required state approvals. The term sheet states that a final lease would need approval from the New York State Comptroller and New York State Attorney General.

Funding Summary

Project Cost: $701,749
Grant Award Amount: $526,312
Granting Agency / Source: New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation / Environmental Protection Fund
Village Funds: $175,437 from General Fund unrestricted fund balance
Other Funding: To be confirmed