New plans for old medical building in Watertown

WATERTOWN, N.Y. (WWNY) - The third time may be the charm for the future of the old Medical Arts Building on Clinton Street in Watertown.

The buildings at 161 and 171 Clinton Street in Watertown have sat empty for years.

Right across the street is Dietitians of Northern New York.

Owner Etosha Farmer says the vacant site is not a sight she likes to see.

"It's kind of an eyesore right now. There's a fence all up. There's nothing in there," said Farmer.

That all may change.

Property owner Michael Lundy has sent the city's planning department a new preliminary proposal for the space.

But, it's not the first time the old medical arts building has almost been transformed.

Lundy first wanted to turn it into an office complex, but moved that project to a different location.

Then the YMCA approached him about turning the space into an aquatic center.

They withdrew when funding didn't work out.

Now Lundy wants to turn the building into offices, and a place for people to eat and shop.

Planning and Community Development Director Michael Lumbis says the new plan could boost downtown.

"It's going to be great to have this one building rehabilitated with a new addition. Bring new office and commercial type uses to downtown. It's going to be a nice benefit to the downtown area and the city," he said.

In the preliminary proposal, around 8,000 square feet of land is set aside for a future building. Lundy says he wants to use the space to bring a regional or national food chain to the area.

And that could mean more people making their way downtown.

"I mean, it would just be great to see any property that's not being used currently, have some life brought to it and bring some life back into this area," said Farmer.

The new plan would leave 161 Clinton Street standing, but calls for 171 to be torn down.

This will make space for the more than 150 proposed parking spaces.

But there are a lot of steps to take before the plans are even approved.

"Mr. Lundy is just asking for the planning board's initial comments on the application, so that he can take those comments, revise his plans if necessary, and make a formal submission for the November meeting," said Lumbis.

If all goes according to plan, the project could be finished by the end of next year.

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