Projects

Projects for consideration for funding were accepted through an Open Call for Projects process, that was open from May 30, 2024 to July 10, 2024. In total, 29 eligible projects were submitted for LPC consideration. Following the LPC’s last meeting on October 16th, 12 projects were ultimately recommended to New York State to be considered for funding through the $4.5 million NY Forward program.

Renovate Persia Town Hall

LOCATION: 8 W. Main St.
WORK SCOPE: The Town of Persia Town Hall, a neoclassical building from 1914 listed on the National Register of Historic Places, will undergo essential repairs and upgrades to make its second floor usable for future public functions, including a new roof, masonry work, and new second floor windows. 
SPONSOR: Town of Persia 
ESTIMATED TOTAL PROJECT COST: $246,000 
NYF FUNDING REQUEST: $246,000 (100% NYF REQUEST) 

Reactivate the Palm Gardens Motel 

LOCATION: 208-210-212 Buffalo St. 
WORK SCOPE: The Palm Gardens Motel, located at the edge of Gowanda’s business district, plans to rejuvenate its corner presence by upgrading its facilities, converting part of its bar/lounge into a community meeting space, and implementing energy-efficient and cosmetic improvements to both the motel and shared infrastructure.  
SPONSOR: Gowanda Palm Gardens INC 
ESTIMATED TOTAL PROJECT COST: $500,000 
NYF FUNDING REQUEST: $375,000 (75% NYF REQUEST) 

Update Historic Hollywood Theater Stage

LOCATION: 39 W. Main St.
WORK SCOPE: The Gowanda Historic Hollywood Theater, built in 1926, is undergoing a multi-phase renovation to upgrade its stage area and support modern performances, starting with structural roof modifications to enhance load capacity and prepare for future upgrades in rigging, curtains, and lighting, while also involving local efforts to refurbish old stage backdrops. 
SPONSOR: Gowanda’s Historic Hollywood Theater, Ltd.
ESTIMATED TOTAL PROJECT COST: $561,000 
NYF FUNDING REQUEST: $376,000 (67% NYF REQUEST) 

Utilize the Former Community Bank as the Hollywood Theater’s Accessible Connector and Restaurant  

LOCATION: 37 W. Main St.​
WORK SCOPE: The project plans to connect the vacant 1925 Gowanda Cooperative Savings and Loan building with the Historic Hollywood Theater via a new ADA-accessible passage, update the bank’s infrastructure, and restore its interior for future use as a restaurant, while enhancing accessibility and safety for theater patrons.  
SPONSOR: Gowanda’s Historic Hollywood Theater, Ltd.
ESTIMATED TOTAL PROJECT COST: $1,400,000 
NYF FUNDING REQUEST: $1,400,000 (100% NYF REQUEST) 

Modernize the 1904 Armes Block into a new Mixed Use Center 

LOCATION: 1 W. Main St. 
WORK SCOPE: The 1904 Armes Block, a historic commercial building with underutilized upper floors, plans to be renovated into five apartments and three commercial rental units, including a barber academy and cocktail lounge, with updated mechanical systems and historically appropriate storefronts to revitalize the Village gateway and support local businesses and vocational training. 
SPONSOR: White Haven Holdings, Inc. 
ESTIMATED TOTAL PROJECT COST: $2,167,000 
NYF FUNDING REQUEST: $1,300,000 (60% NYF REQUEST) 

Revival of Phoenix Lodge into a Community Service/Engagement Center 

LOCATION: 3 S. Water St.​
WORK SCOPE: The Phoenix Lodge, originally built in 1929 as a Masonic Temple, plans to restore its historic windows and storefronts, and install a new heat pump system, all while maintaining affordable commercial spaces and continuing to serve as a community hub. 
SPONSOR: The Phoenix Project II, Inc.
ESTIMATED TOTAL PROJECT COST: $600,000
NYF FUNDING REQUEST: $600,000 (100% NYF REQUEST) 

Create a Small Project Fund for Additional Downtown Improvements 

LOCATION: Throughout the NYF area​ 
WORK SCOPE: A Small Project Fund will provide grants for building improvements, business equipment, and public art, following the NYS Main Street Program’s guidelines, with funding available to property owners within the NY Forward Boundary and priority given to previous applicants; it will also support program administration and soft costs, requiring a minimum 25% match from applicants. 
SPONSOR: Village of Gowanda 
ESTIMATED TOTAL PROJECT COST: $600,000+ 
NYF FUNDING REQUEST: $450,000 (75% NYF REQUEST) 

Deliver New Life for the Old Post Office through Development of Short-Term Rental Units 

LOCATION: 53 W. Main St.
WORK SCOPE: This project aims to restore the building’s front façade, improve energy efficiency, and replace the roof, while converting the vacant upper floor into two short-term rental units, with renovations already in progress, to support local theater actors and enhance the building’s role in the community. 
SPONSOR: 76 Jamestown LLC 
ESTIMATED TOTAL PROJECT COST: $354,000 
NYF FUNDING REQUEST: $143,000 (40% NYF REQUEST)

Elevate Gowanda’s Identity: Implementing a Wayfinding, Connectivity, and Branding Plan for the Village

LOCATION: Village of Gowanda
WORK SCOPE: This project will boost Gowanda’s appeal by improving signage and connectivity to key sites, creating a new brand, and enhancing accessibility to parks, historic sites, and local businesses. The goal is to increase visibility, engagement, and support local growth, while establishing the Village as a vibrant destination. 
SPONSOR: Village of Gowanda 
ESTIMATED TOTAL PROJECT COST: $156,000 
NYF FUNDING REQUEST: $156,000 (100% NYF REQUEST) 

Enhance the Village of Gowanda Parks

LOCATION: St John Park (Aldrich St) and Creekside Park (access at Mechanic and Union St) 
WORK SCOPE: The Village of Gowanda seeks support to upgrade two of its local parks to boost events, visitor attraction, pedestrian safety, amenities, and local economic impact. 
SPONSOR: Village of Gowanda / Traci Hopkins
ESTIMATED TOTAL PROJECT COST: $429,000
NYF FUNDING REQUEST: $429,000 (100% NYF REQUEST) 

Beautify the Gowanda Business District’s Streetscape 

LOCATION: Village of Gowanda Business District Corridor (W. Main St and Jamestown St) 
WORK SCOPE: The Village plans to transform its main corridor by replacing deteriorated pavers with decorative concrete, installing a unified tree pit design, updating street lighting to decorative poles with banner arms, and adding self-watering planters to enhance aesthetics, safety, and environmental benefits while boosting local business and community appeal. 
SPONSOR: Village of Gowanda / Traci Hopkins
ESTIMATED TOTAL PROJECT COST: $930,000 
NYF FUNDING REQUEST: $930,000 (100% NYF REQUEST) 

Refresh GoWanda Brewing at the Wicked Glen 

LOCATION: 29 S. Water St.
WORK SCOPE: GoWanda Brewing at the Wicked Glen plans to enhance its Water Street frontage with updated siding, windows, signage, and a new metal roof, while renovating four upstairs apartments and potentially adding a second-level overlook and mural to integrate with the local scene and attract patrons. 
SPONSOR: Jayne Dougals Inc DBA GoWanda Brewing At The Wicked Glen 
ESTIMATED TOTAL PROJECT COST: $430,000 
NYF FUNDING REQUEST: $320,000 (75% NYF REQUEST)