Project Fosters Investment in Arlington Business Improvement District through New Residential, Commercial and Retail Spaces, Plus 110-Room Hotel
Moving forward a development that will transform Poughkeepsie’s Arlington Town Center, Arthur May Redevelopment, LLC, (AMR) an affiliate of Poughkeepsie based PAZ Management, Inc., will redevelop the former Arthur S. May Elementary School located at 25-31 Raymond Avenue in Poughkeepsie, NY. Following three years of coordinated work with local authorities, AMR recently received conditional site plan approval from the Town of Poughkeepsie Planning Board. Construction is projected to commence later this year.
Honoring the architectural heritage of the Arlington Town Center, AMR will transform the 6.8-acre site into a mixed-use center that will include 187 modern, energy efficient, market rate rental residences in six buildings. The infill project will also bring approximately 18,000 square feet of commercial and retail space to the area, along with a 110-key hotel to meet the needs of nearby colleges and visitors to the region. The first phase of the site, which will include the residences, is slated to debut by the end of 2021.
“With so many popular restaurants, shops and walkable areas surrounding Vassar College, the vibrant Arlington Town Center has an undeniable attraction to residents, neighbors and visitors,” said Jacob Reckess, vice president of PAZ Management, Inc. “We are honored to have the opportunity to enhance this community by thoughtfully revitalizing the former Arthur S. May Elementary School into beautiful, functional and livable places people will enjoy for years to come.”
After closing its doors in 2014, the former school building has sat vacant in the middle of a walkable corridor in the Arlington Town Center. After tirelessly working with numerous local and state leaders to explore ways to repurpose the building, the project team ultimately decided to demolish and rebuild on the site. After more than 95 years off the tax base, AMR will place the property back on the town’s tax roll, adding value to the community and directly benefitting the township, school system and fire department. The current tax proposal would add more than $15 million of payments to the local taxing jurisdictions over the first 25 years. Additionally, the developer has agreed to improve components of the local highway system which will enhance traffic flow around the area.
“I have been involved with this development from the beginning and believe that it will attract young professionals who are looking for a walkable community to live in, with interesting places to shop and dine in,” said Ann Shershin, Poughkeepsie Town Board member for the 6th ward, which is where the project is located. “The Arlington Business Improvement District supports the development and believes it will attract visitors and new businesses to the area.”
The center’s one- and two-bedroom residential units will feature 9’ ceilings, open floor plans, energy efficient appliances and boast spectacular views of the Hudson Valley. Amenities include a fitness center, recreation area, dog park, package pickup services, covered parking and more. With heated sidewalks, the commercial spaces will be state-of-the-art with direct access to parking and the beautiful walker-friendly Raymond Avenue. A limited service hotel is also planned for the site, with a national brand collaboration to be determined.
“This project is a win for the entire community,” said Frank Castella, Jr., president and CEO of the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce. “The developer, a Poughkeepsie-based organization owned and operated by a civic-minded family, is to be commended for its willingness to lead and invest through this signature project, which will complete the Arlington Town Center.”
About PAZ Management:
Since 1981, PAZ Management, Inc. has been a leading developer, providing quality housing and personalized care for individuals and communities in need. The family-owned and operated business is based in Dutchess County, in New York’s Hudson Valley region. With highly trained providers and staff members, PAZ currently owns and operates three assisted living facilities, a licensed home care agency, as well as housing and commercial spaces, all dedicated to enhancing the communities they serve. Through its affiliates, PAZ has developed and managed a wide range of projects, including historic renovations and residential, commercial and mixed-use properties.
