Empire State Development (ESD) has announced the official unveiling of the renovated Globe Building in downtown Watertown. The project includes first-floor space for BOCES Career & Technical Education and Adult Education programs, along with 11 market-rate apartments on the second floor. Located at 302 Court Street, the building was identified as a key site in Watertown’s $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) plan and received $558,000 in state DRI funding. The total cost of the adaptive reuse project was $4 million.
Hope Knight, President, CEO & Commissioner of Empire State Development, stated: “This $4 million investment has breathed new life into the historic Globe Building, transforming a long-vacant downtown eyesore into a vibrant center for learning and living. This Watertown project is a powerful example of how Governor Hochul’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative is strengthening communities across the state by turning old spaces into new opportunities.”
Stephen Todd, District Superintendent of Jefferson-Lewis-Hamilton-Herkimer-Oneida (Jefferson-Lewis) BOCES, said: “We are thrilled to be able to bring our rapidly growing workforce development programs to downtown Watertown in this beautifully restored space. We are deeply grateful to Empire State Development and all of our key partners for making this possible, as it will be good for our high school and adult students, and it will also be good for our local employers in the healthcare industry.”
Dan Queri, Partner at 302 Globe LLC, commented: “The commitment from Empire State Development along with other critical stakeholders in the project provided the necessary support to make this project a success. We are excited for BOCES, downtown Watertown and all of the students, faculty and staff that will utilize the newly renovated space.”
The Globe Building had been vacant for years before its redevelopment. Jefferson-Lewis BOCES now leases all 13,000 square feet of commercial space to expand training opportunities for high school students seeking job-ready skills. Over three years, enrollment in trade classes at BOCES increased by 35%, rising from 1,000 to 1,400 students. Classes began earlier this fall with the start of the 2025-26 school year.
Supporters of BOCES’ move include ESD, City of Watertown, Jefferson County Local Development Corporation (JCLDC), Watertown Savings Bank, Watertown Local Development Corporation (WLDC), and Development Authority of the North Country (DANC). DANC provided construction financing while WLDC will serve as permanent financing partner after completion; each organization contributed $400,000.
Kylee McGrath, CEO of WLDC said: “The Globe’s transformation is a turning point for Court Street. Revitalizing a blighted building and bringing BOCES downtown adds new energy and creates a positive anchor for the street.”
Carl E. Farone Jr., Executive Director at DANC added: “The renovation of the former Globe building stands as a strong example of how public and private collaboration can drive meaningful community transformation. The Authority is proud to have partnered with New York State, Watertown Savings Bank, and the Watertown Local Development Corporation to revitalize this building to bring BOCES and market rate housing to downtown Watertown.”
Mayor Sarah V.C. Pierce noted: “Built in the 1920s, the Globe Building was once a cornerstone of downtown Watertown before falling into disrepair. Today we celebrate not just restoration… but its rebirth as a vibrant hub… thanks to partnership with BOCES… I extend my deepest gratitude… who helped make this important project a reality.”
Other recent investments in downtown include projects like Jefferson Community College’s restoration efforts supported by $2.5 million from ESD; YMCA’s repurposing effort supported by $3.6 million ESD grant; plus redevelopment on Court Street backed by Restore New York grants.
Watertown was selected as Round 2 winner under DRI program for North Country region in 2017 alongside other regional winners such as Plattsburgh or Saranac Lake.
Earlier this month Governor Hochul announced another round—$100 million each—for DRI Round 9 applications due November 7th—and NY Forward targeting smaller communities—with total awards so far reaching $1.2 billion distributed among more than one hundred fifty municipalities through both initiatives.
Empire State Development acts as New York’s main economic development agency supporting business growth statewide via various offices—including oversight over Regional Economic Development Councils—and workforce development programs.
The Downtown Revitalization Initiative aims since its launch in 2016 at revitalizing city centers across ten regions using coordinated technical assistance led by Department of State alongside agencies like HCR or NYSERDA.
