Mixed-use development in Broadway Commons project
The city will work with a developer on a mixed-use development for the Broadway Commons property that will include commercial space, apartments, and public parking, Mayor Steve Noble said.
“After careful consideration of the two proposals we received, the evaluation team has chosen to work with LA 609, who is represented by architect Scott Dutton,” Noble said in an email Thursday. He said the plans would include the redevelopment of the adjacent property at 609 Broadway, which LA 609 currently owns.
Broadway Commons is the site of the former Kings Inn motel and is near the Ulster Performing Arts Center.
The development would include eight apartments and retail and commercial space on the first floor, Noble said. He said there would also be eight to 10 new apartment units built to the rear of the building on the property, which is currently owned by the city at 615 Broadway, also known as Broadway Commons. Noble said the site would include a courtyard and a space dedicated to the memory of city resident Pauline Oliveros.
There would also be parking on site to meet the needs of the residents and commercial space, Noble said.
“I am excited to work with LA 609 to further develop their plans for this long vacant space and will share further information with the community and the Common Council as we move through this process,” Noble said.
In February, the city had issued a request for proposals for the city-owned property at 615 Broadway. Kingston was seeking responses from qualified developers to design, construct and operate a mixed-use development on the property.
Redevelopment of the Broadway Commons property was one of the goals Noble outlined in his State of the City address in January. Prior city administrations also have looked to redevelop the site, which has been vacant since the Kings Inn, which last was used to house social services clients, was demolished in late 2011.
“The concept of this proposed project is to enhance and complement the current structures and the character of the neighborhood,” LA 609’s proposal states. “609615 Broadway is a mixeduse project featuring eight residential apartments on the second and third floors, with a commercial space on the first floor ideally suitable for a restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating, public indoor and outdoor space, or an art gallery or speciality retailer. The proposed project incorporates the opportunity for muchneeded public parking in the rapidly developing Midtown district.”
The proposal also notes that the developer would purchase the city-owned property at 615 Broadway and combine it with the adjacent property at 609 Broadway. A purchase price was not included in the proposal, but Noble has previously indicated he would like the land to be put back on the city tax rolls.