Preservation of Historic Landmarked Site, Disused for more than 60 years, Will Create Bold Artist Space and Housing
And Produces $18.3 million in Economic Activity in Ulster County
WASHINGTON, D.C. – February 10, 2014 – (RealEstateRama) — Preservation and Rehab of the United States Lace Curtain Mill factory has begun its first phase with environmental remediation. The project will create 55 units of affordable housing for artists in the City of Kingston and generate $18.3 million in regional economic activity, while retaining the unique architectural character of the building.
The Lace Factory was a prime example of industrial architecture of the early 1900’s and is a historic link to early Twentieth Century manufacturing in Kingston, NY, listed on the State and National Registries of Historic Places.
In 1903, the Kingston Daily Freeman reported that the Board of Trade had successfully persuaded new industry to relocate to Kingston, because of the lure of the West Shore Railroad.
To preserve the architectural integrity of the Mill while undergoing a gut rehabilitation, the original coal fired boiler circa 1903 will be restored and enclosed in a communal gallery area, in the center courtyard of the Lace Factory complex. Another new floor above this gallery space will function as common studio space available to the tenants.
The state is partnering with the Rural Ulster Preservation Company (RUPCO), the owner of this project. The project is funded with a state investment which includes: $11.13 million in HCR bond financing, $558,832 estimated annual allocation of 4% low income housing tax credits, $1.9 million estimated Housing Finance Agency subordinate loan, and $2 million Homes for Working Families loan. The project is also being funded with a $2.9 million State Historic Preservation Tax Credit from the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and received $150,000 in Urban Initiatives funds from the Mid-Hudson Regional Economic Development Council and will drive $18.2 million in economic activity.
For additional information about the historic designation of the Lace Factory, click here: http://www.nps.gov/nr/feature/places/13000100.htm
