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| 3/24/2009 12:23:00 AM | Email this article • Print this article |
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| Recorder file photo
The Chalmers building, as depicted in a conceptual drawing of the Via Ponte project provided by The Saratoga Associates. Mayor Ann Thane said the building’s redevelopment and a greenspace link to the waterfront are keys to the revival of the Amsterdam’s South Side. |
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Chalmers' fate uncertain
One-year deadline nears for developer Uri Kaufman
Jessica Maher
Reporter
The economy has thrown a wrench into developer Uri Kaufman's plans to purchase the former Chalmers Knitting Factory from the city, and as the one-year deadline nears for Kaufman and the city to make a decision, measures are under way to secure additional funding for the project.
Last summer, Kaufman nominated the vacant building for the State and National Registers of Historic Places. The nomination was recently approved by the New York State Board for Historic Preservation and, if approved by the state historic preservation officer, followed by the National Register of Historic Places, it could provide millions of dollars in state grants and federal historic rehabilitation tax credits.
The Long Island developer, operating as Albany Tech, LLC, was able to nominate the 100-year-old building, a process that includes lengthy paperwork, with the city's consent. The Common Council had previously discussed nominating the building for historical registers so that additional funds could be available, according to 4th Ward Alderman William Wills.
"Kaufman is looking in the right direction," he said.
Kaufman has been through the nomination process with the state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation with past projects where he's successfully turned old mills into apartments.
"It's one of those steps you have to go through," said Kaufman.
According to the registration form for the National Register of Historic Places, the Chalmers building "is associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of our history" from 1913-1945. The registration also notes that as the last major knitting mill to be constructed in Amsterdam, the building is architecturally significant as an example of the durable, fire-resistant and practical buildings known as "daylight" factories and is a local example of a reinforced concrete building constructed by a master.
Kaufman, who continues to work on designs and plans for the building during the city's ongoing environmental remediation that is expected to be put out to bid by Saratoga Associates this month, said he sees a lot of potential for the building that sits idle and uncomely on Bridge Street. Underneath one layer of the wood floor is another, viable wood layer that Kaufman said is in good shape. Additionally, the original interior columns, outside brickwork and facade are also preservable.
"It's a good candidate," said Kaufman. "There's great views, great architecture and great location."
At this point, Kaufman said it's not the viability of the building that concerns him, but the overall economy. He currently does not have financing for the project.
"We were on schedule until the crisis hit and we've been scrambling ever since," he said.
The Chalmers building was set to be demolished using millions of dollars in grant money before Kaufman's eleventh hour proposal to turn the South Side eyesore into luxury apartments. In May 2008, the Common Council voted to give Kaufman a one-year option on the property, saying that the developer must meet benchmarks throughout the year and pay the city $138,000 for the building by May 12, 2009.
While Mayor Ann Thane has insisted throughout the year that Kaufman has reached necessary benchmarks, some Aldermen have said that official documentation to that effect has not been provided.
"Every time the council has asked the mayor, she just keeps saying he's meeting all the deadlines," said 5th Ward Alderman Richard Leggiero. "At a point people want to see things happen."
Former Mayor John Duchessi Jr. doesn't think people will see things happen with the Chalmers building, based on his own experience.
"I'm typically skeptical of rehabilitation of those buildings if there isn't any direct funding," said Duchessi. "I've seen people come and go with respect to plans."
Others remain more optimistic about the project and cite Kaufman's resume, which includes the conversion of Harmony Mills in Cohoes into luxury apartments as reason to be hopeful.
"I'm more patient than others ... condos would make it more conducive to the walkway that's proposed," said Wills, referring to the pedestrian bridge project connecting Bridge Street to the north side of the Mohawk River.
The nomination to the Register of Historical Places and funding that could come out of that may delay the project further. Spokesman Dan Keefe at the state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation said that there's no specific timeline for a nomination to be approved.
Wills said that while the entire city is affected, he sympathizes with those living on the South Side who look at the building every day in its current, decrepit state.
"[Kaufman] is trying his best," said Wills. "You've got to give him credit."
As the deadline approaches, Kaufman is attempting to schedule a date in April to present his progress to the Common Council. With the deadline a little over six weeks away and no financing, Kaufman declined to say if he'll go to the Common Council asking for an extension.
"It's a complicated process and it's a long process," he said. "We have to wait and see."
Until then, all eyes are on Kaufman, with the state demolition money still tucked away.
"It would be a great idea for him to come and explain to the people of the city," said Leggiero. "The sooner things start moving forward, the sooner we'll all be believers."
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Contact Jessica Maher at jessica.maher@recordernews.com.
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