The Cambridge Lumber Yard Revitalization Project
(a component of “Owlkill Commons”)

In June 2021, the Community Partnership purchased the Cambridge Lumber Yard. It intends to revitalize the property for expanded commercial, residential and recreational use. The 2.6-acre property has frontage on Main Street and Railroad Avenue and hosts five structures, the most prominent of which is 9 West Main Street. Some infrastructure problems plague the site and limit the commercial potential of it and neighboring properties (i.e., wastewater disposal and parking). However, the property is already producing income.  Some space is leased for residential, commercial, and self-storage use. Additionally, approximately 600 feet of the Owlkill meanders through the western edge of the property.

Click here for the survey of the property

Revitalization Phases:  Eastern Section of Owlkill Commons
(formerly Known as the Lumber Yard)

UPDATE JULY 2023

Phase One: COMPLETE

  • Community Partnership purchased the property (in June 2021) with 2.6 acres of land, five buildings.  
  • Began rehabilitating 9 West Main Street– the largest mixed-use structure (3,800 SF) on the property. The Phase One of work on 9W Main focused on rehabilitating the second story residential unit (e.g., windows, doors); addressing environmental concerns (i.e., removal of lead paint, asbestos siding); upgrading/installing energy efficient heating/cooling systems in the apartment and a commercial space; and stabilizing the building (sistering and better bracing beams in floor, ceilings and roof).  Complete April 2022

A $75,000 NYMS reimbursable grant supported this construction phase which resulted in upgrades to one active commercial unit and leasing of the residential unit to a new teacher. Partial draw down from a November 2021 line of credit for $125,000 from the CDCLF was utilized to facilitate these improvements;  the line of credit was repaid in full in June 3, 2022 with NYMS grant proceeds.

  • MOS Architects developed plans for the second phase of rehabilitation of  9 West Main Street, the mixed-use structure focusing on façade, first floor commercial space and accessibility. Building Permit secured from Washington County Code Enforcement:  April 12, 2023.

Phase Two:  (February – December 2023)

  • Finish rehabilitating 9 West Main Street focusing on all facades, accessibility, first floor commercial spaces and common areas rehabilitation.  (See attached portions of plans) IN PROGRESS
  • Removal of a small shed toward the rear of the property.  (Complete February 2023 with donated labor/demolition machinery.) DONE
  • Minor upgrades to the interior of ‘The Cottage,’ a small 440 SF structure, for commercial use (Complete August 2023). IN PROGRESS
  • Received donation of approximately 1.7 acre park, formerly known as VARAK Park which hosts x linear feet of the Owl Kill and the Village-owned historic Green Victorian Bridge  (Complete: February 2023) 
  • Relocated the Sunday Cambridge Valley Farmers Market for Spring/Summer and Fall Seasons to recently donated VARAK Park—now known as the Owlkill Commons. (Starting May 2023) See: http://www.cambridgevalleyfarmersmarket.com DONE

Phase Three :

involves several project components which will be undertaken sequentially and as funds including NY Forward grant funding or other funds become available.

  • Advance economic vibrancy and expand opportunities for commercial pursuit by rehabilitating ‘The Red Barn” into a more viable commercial structure embracing the community park space to the South.  (Keefe & Wesner Architects, P.C. developing design documents)  IN PROGRESS
  • Increase opportunities for recreation and foster a recreational economy by:
    • Improving access and safety of the Owl Kill (stream) in VARAK Park by stewarding stream and addressing crumbling/collapsing retaining walls along the stream by naturalizing the stream banks (see design concept) and modestly upgrading the park bringing amenities such as electricity and signage to the park.  IN PROGRESS
    • Expanding community park space in the property formerly known as the Lumber Yard by removing two structures (the White Barn and eventually the Red Shed) and making park improvements consistent with community visioning and planning processes led by NY Forward.  COMING SOON
    • Integrate adjacent properties (Victorian footbridge and adjoining park space at 17 West Main Street recently donated to the Community Partnership with open space within parcel formerly known as the Lumber Yard) COMING SOON
    • Develop with partners a .55 mile trail along the Owl Kill, which meanders through and forms the southern boundary of the Owlkill Commons—and eventually (down the line in a subsequent Phase) work with partners to develop plans for and expand a trail system to the Cambridge Central School and Cambridge Community Forest. COMING SOON