Gloversville was awarded a $10 million grant through New York State's Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) program.

Construction Complete at Schine Memorial Hall

GLOVERSVILLE, NY – Gloversville Mayor Vincent DeSantis is happy to announce that the Schine Memorial Hall project, a key initiative funded in part by the Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) grant, has finished construction. He anticipates the final grant paperwork will be wrapped up by the end of April. Mayor DeSantis stated: “Building a thriving downtown depends on achieving synergy among the key businesses and institutions within it. Each element must enliven and energize the others to enliven the entire area. This project directly relates to the Glove City Lofts project and the Glove Theater Restoration to make downtown Gloversville a regional cultural and arts destination.”

Gloversville received a significant boost from New York State's DRI program, being awarded a $10 million grant with project announcements in November 2022. One such project, the Schine Memorial Hall, located at 40 N. Main St. in Gloversville, secured $346,000 from that grant to renovate its third floor into a museum of the city’s history plus separate co-working spaces for artists.

Ronald Peters, President & CEO of the Fulton County Center for Regional Growth (CRG), commented, "We were happy to support this project by facilitating their financing and offering guidance. Seeing a project like this come to completion requires dedication, and it's been a pleasure collaborating with the Schine Memorial Hall team."

Gloversville Downtown Development Specialist (GDDS) Jennifer Donovan stated, "A project receiving DRI funding has several milestones to meet, including design and budget updates, local approvals and permits, environmental reviews, and a bid process with an MWBE component. Our role was to guide the project through these requirements to maintain grant compliance."

Construction started in late July, early August 2024, and was completed in late March of this year. Donovan explained that the remaining steps involve submitting final reports and invoices before receiving the final reimbursement from the state. She added, "It's been a pleasure assisting this project and the transformation of the third floor. Given the building's history as a downtown landmark since 1881, it's truly wonderful to see it adapted to meet current downtown needs.”

Mayor DeSantis added: “This is one of the most historic buildings in the city with a storied history as The Kasson Opera House in the late 19th century. It is great to see it becoming one of the key elements of the city’s 21st century renaissance.”

The first floor of the building is currently home to businesses that include 2 of Cups Couture, Mohawk Harvest Cooperative Market, Micropolis Cooperative Inc. Art Gallery, Golden Garden Parties, Jackson & Hewitt Tax Service, Glover Insurance Agency, and Daniel Storto’s Glove Museum.

The second floor houses companies that include Lexington Employment Resources, Identogo, Adirondack Massage Therapist, and Sacandaga Therapeutic Massage.