Bicentennial Canal Gateway Project
Bicentennial Canal
Gateway Project
About the Project
In 2018, the Fairport Industrial Development Agency committed $500,000 to assist with the Fairport Bicentennial Canal Gateway Project which would dramatically transform the banks of the Erie Canal in the heart of the Village. Capitalizing on local assets to create appealing and unique places where people want to live, work and play, the project objectives included improved pedestrian access to the canal, a diversity of recreational opportunities and enhanced connections from the neighborhood to the Main Street corridor.
The project created an ADA accessible formalized waterfront park which celebrates the Erie Canal’s and Village’s history. In addition to the tangible benefits of the project, the project strengthens the sense of community, and sense of place that the Village has worked to establish.
In addition to the FIDA contribution, the Village of Fairport investment was aided by an award of grant funding from the New York State Canal Corporation and the NYS Office of Parks and Recreation. Our partners at the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor made an additional award to assist FIDA with the design of the project.
Completed in 2020, the Bicentennial Canal Gateway project was named Small Cities/Structures Project of the Year by the American Public Works Association/Genesee Valley Chapter and received the 2021 Merit Award/Built Design from the American Society of Landscape Architects/New York Upstate.
Key Takeaway
Today, the Village of Fairport enjoys a far-reaching reputation as the “Crown Jewel of the Erie Canal” drawing visitors from across the world. These significant public improvements have spurred private investments, with over $40 Million of private investment in the Village during the period of 2015-2020.
Success Stories
The Cannery
The long-vacant 62,000 square-foot former can factory and 42,000 square-foot industrial building that dominated the north side of the village were impediments to the revitalization of Fairport.
Sterling West
What began as a simple façade improvement project in 2004, resulted in the demolition of 2 buildings and the construction of what has become a signature project in the heart of the Village. The Fairport Urban Renewal Agency supported this project with a $300,000 low-interest loan and a façade grant. The total project cost was $1,200,000.
Iron Smoke Whiskey
Iron Smoke Whiskey, founded in 2011, is a small-batch craft distillery. Enjoying success, the distillery needed a larger location. Working with Fairport Local Development Corporation, a suitable site was identified, and Iron Smoke relocated to the Fairport location in 2014. The project was assisted with a low-interest loan for renovations, build-out costs, fixtures, and equipment. The total project cost was $850,000.
Fairport Landing
Developed through Urban Renewal programs in the 1970’s, the 120,000 square foot Fairport Landing shopping center had served as a key component of the Village’s commercial corridor. Due to shifting retail trends and lack of investment, the property was experiencing significant vacancy.