Leveraging Natural Resources and Historic Industrial Heritage Sites to Spark Revitalization
Learn how one community is repositioning its natural setting, historic paper mill, and iron foundries to create a unique new district in Watertown, NY.
The City of Watertown, New York has taken a proactive approach to the revitalization of historic post-industrial sites along its picturesque riverfront. Located in Upstate New York, the city serves as a regional destination for tourism in the Adirondack Mountains and Thousand Island regions. The Sewall’s Island and Factory Square area make up more than 80 acres on the edge of Downtown Watertown and are bisected by the rapids of the scenic Black River. These sites are also important linkages in the Black River Trail system, a popular regional trail network that is planned for connection to downtown through the conversion of two former rail bridges on Sewall’s Island for pedestrian and bicycle use. Through strengthened connectivity to downtown and the Black River corridor, proposed site development that leverages the dramatic scenic and recreational qualities of the river, planned parks and open space that invites the community to the riverfront, and the creative adaptation of historic industrial buildings, the redevelopment of Sewall’s Island and Factory Square is poised to become a cultural and economic bright spot for Watertown.
View of Sewall’s Island, center, and Factory Square, right, with the rapids of the Black River.
Factory Square is the former home of the Black River Paper Company.
One of the two former rail bridges connecting to Sewall’s Island that will be part of the future Black River Trail.
Working with the City, key stakeholders, property owners, developers, and the Watertown community, MKSK has created a truly community-driven vision with a focus on bringing activity back to this area. The vision focuses on transforming Sewall’s Island and Factory Square into a vibrant waterfront district that leverages the site’s unique qualities to spur investment and celebrate culture and natural wonder. The plan creates a year-round destination for the region and a beloved community asset that attracts businesses, visitors, and residents of all generations.
The redevelopment plan’s first phase focuses on Factory Square and its adjacent Factory Square Park. Reuse of the historic factory buildings in Factory Square into mixed-use loft living and a boutique hotel brings a new population to the district and provides a new residential offering for the city. Pairing the development with the construction of a new pedestrian friendly public realm and improvements to the park to provide improved access to the Black River create short-term wins that provide an immediate boost to the district’s vibrancy.
The complete redevelopment plan for Sewall’s Island and Factory Square.
The larger investment in public space throughout the district, including on Sewall’s Island, comes in the second phase. The creation of new recreational amenities, including the missing Black River Trail segment, establishes a new anchor to support future development in the district. Access to the river was one of the top desires of the community for what this area should provide. River overlooks, trails, and public park amenities turn the island and district into a space for the whole community. Providing new living options and experiences in the City ensure that this investment will have a mutually beneficial relationship with the recent efforts made in Downtown. The long-term future of Sewall’s Island and Factory Square is one that brings back life to this area of the city, provides continued economic investment, and creates a regional attraction for new residents and visitors alike.
The future of Factory Square with a mixed-use loft building (on left) and the new boutique hotel (on right).
Looking toward Sewall’s Island from behind Factory Square we can see the opportunities to improve access to the Black River through overlooks and trails. The boutique hotel in Factory Square overlooks the river (on right).