New commercial space and housing at former Trudeau Sanatorium will kick off development of broader campus
See Trudeau Village website here; see architectural drawings here and here
Empire State Development today announced the start of construction on the redevelopment of the Trudeau Village project in Saranac Lake. Although part of a much larger $15 million project that will renovate 29 buildings on the campus, today’s milestone kicks off Cure Cottage Development’s (CCD) $6.8 million renovation of two buildings, including the historic Administration Building of the former Trudeau Cottage Sanatorium, into approximately 1,000 square feet of commercial space and 27 new apartments. ESD is providing $1.3 million in Restore NY Communities Initiative funding toward this initial phase.
“This project, coupled with Cure Cottage Development’s overall plans for Trudeau Village, will significantly add to the commercial development interest and activity in Saranac Lake,” said Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight. “Restore New York is a pillar of Governor Hochul’s community revitalization efforts and projects like this restore blighted structures while promoting new housing, vibrant neighborhoods and economic opportunity.”
“We are excited to continue to be a part of the terrific opportunities in Saranac Lake and the surrounding areas,” said CCD Managing Partner Wayne Zukin. “The Trudeau Village project enhances work we already have undertaken in downtown Saranac Lake through the renovation of existing buildings there.”
The historic 64-acre property was originally the Trudeau Cottage Sanatorium, established at the end of the 19th century by Dr. Edward Livingston Trudeau. It was a mecca for people seeking treatment for tuberculosis. The Trudeau Sanatorium closed in 1954, after the discovery of effective antibiotic treatments for tuberculosis. The property was sold by the Trudeau family to the American Management Association in 1957 and was listed on the national and state registers of historic places in 1995. In 2019, Cure Cottage Development bought the complex from the American Management Association, making CCD the third owner of this historic property in 125 years. Although some of the buildings were destroyed over the years, many remain intact and in reasonably good condition, allowing for excellent development opportunities.
The 21,706-square-foot administration building and 10,240-square-foot cold storage buildings – two prominent edifices in the center of the campus – have been vacant for decades. This project is part of larger development plans for the creation of Trudeau Village, a mixed-use redevelopment consisting of additional housing and commercial spaces, including office, retail and maker space. Trudeau Village will offer an unparalleled setting for professionals, families and artists seeking a vibrant community amidst the tranquility of the bucolic and historic Village of Saranac Lake. For more information, including future plans, visit here.
The Restore New York Communities Initiative provides municipalities with financial assistance for the revitalization of commercial and residential properties. The program encourages community development and neighborhood growth through the elimination and redevelopment of blighted structures. The program is administered by ESD.
Village of Saranac Lake Mayor Jimmy Williams said, “The Village of Saranac Lake was very fortunate to receive $1.3 million from New York State via the Restore NY Communities Initiative that will go toward the Trudeau Village redevelopment project. The rehabilitation of this historic property will dramatically increase our available housing inventory for current and future residents. I'd like to express my gratitude to Village Staff, Cure Cottage Development, and New York State for making this project possible.”
Assemblyman Billy Jones said, “It is great to see construction start for the Trudeau Village Redevelopment in Saranac Lake and to see Restore NY funding move forward in the North Country. Projects like this will not only help address the housing shortage across the region but will also create new commercial space for the community. I am proud to support this project and I look forward to seeing how this redevelopment helps the community.”
About Cure Cottage Development
Cure Cottage Development is a partnership among Wayne Zukin, Brian Draper, Scott Zukin and Sue Smith-Zukin. Draper, a life-long resident of Saranac Lake and Lake Placid brings to the project a career in construction, development, and property management. The Zukins, based in Philadelphia, have a long history of repositioning historic buildings and a long relationship with Saranac Lake.
About Empire State Development
ESD is New York’s chief economic development agency, and promotes business growth, job creation, and greater economic opportunity throughout the state. With offices in each of the state’s 10 regions, ESD oversees the Regional Economic Development Councils, supports broadband equity through the ConnectALL office, and is growing the workforce of tomorrow through the Office of Strategic Workforce Development. The agency engages with emerging and next generation industries like clean energy and semiconductor manufacturing looking to grow in New York State, operates a network of assistance centers to help small businesses grow and succeed, and promotes the state's world class tourism destinations through ILOVENY. For more information, please visit ESD’s website here, and connect with ESD on LinkedIn, Facebook and X, formerly known as Twitter.
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