Village of Ossining Explores Possibilities for Creative Redevelopment of Market Square

On Wednesday, February 12, The Downtown Revitalization Group (DRG), a consulting firm retained by the Village of Ossining, unveiled two final scenarios at a Village working session for the creative redevelopment of Market Square and the existing downtown parking lots located at the intersection of Main and Spring Streets. Both concepts included significant residential and retail space as well as a new major public space for the community to gather.

The creative development at Market Square is part of a vision of a fully functioning, symbiotic downtown economic environment. The proposed public space, which would include a Market Pavilion, kiosks, plaza area and lawn, could accommodate a growing Farmer’s Market, music concerts, festivals and other programmed civic events. The three new mixed-use buildings would be contextual, supporting existing downtown retail and residential, and demonstrate best practices in sustainability. 

“The future development of these properties will create a new village green – a place for all people to meet, for all downtown roads to cross – and continue our successful provision of housing for residents of all financial means and businesses to service the entire community,” said Mayor William R. Hanauer.

The final recommendations presented by DRG are the culmination of a comprehensive 11-month analysis of urban design, zoning, parking, and economic factors. Following the firm’s initial presentation in June, two revised development scenarios were created for the approximately 1.5 acres of land at the center of the Village. DRG's team members include Dadras Architects, Larisa Ortiz Associates, Nelson/Nygaard Consulting Associates, and landscape architect Elizabeth Hand-Fry.

DRG’s first scenario includes a total of 22,102 sq. ft. of retail, 91,705 sq. ft. of residential, and approximately 62 parking spaces split between one three-story and two four-story mixed-use buildings. The 70 residential units would be comprised of 26 one-bedroom, 20 two-bedroom, and 16 three-bedroom apartments as well as eight private townhouses. 14,579 sq. ft. is devoted to the public space at the intersection of Main and Spring Streets. Total development costs are estimated to be $23 million.

The second scenario, an enhanced version of the first estimated to cost an additional $3 million, offers greater height and floor area as well as an additional 14 residential units and 21 parking spaces. The two four-story buildings proposed in the first scenario would become a five-story and seven-story building. As a result, the total retail space (23,355 sq. ft.) and residential space (101,921 sq. ft.) are both slightly higher. Residential units would include 40 one-bedroom, 34 two-bedroom, and two three-bedroom apartments as well as eight private townhouses. At 16,626 sq. ft., the second scenario would also afford a larger public space.

“Urban renewal did only half of its job, tearing down derelict buildings, but leaving us with parking lots – not the highest and best use of the properties,” said Mayor Hanauer. “Now is the time to complete our village's core. Ossining’s renaissance continues.”

For more information on downtown and economic development in the Village of Ossining, please contact the Village Manager’s Office at 914-941-3554 or visit www.villageofossining.org.

About the Village of Ossining: On April 2, 1813, the Village of Ossining became the first incorporated village in Westchester County to be state-chartered. Today, Ossining is a culturally diverse, affordable place to live, rich in both history and natural beauty. Approximately 25,600 people reside in the three and one half square miles of this historic Village on the Hudson River, which boasts extensive shopping, recreational programs, educational enrichment opportunities, and excellent municipal services. Ossining’s role in New York’s heritage has been recognized by its inclusion, as one of only 14 areas, in an Urban Cultural Park System designed to attract visitors to the State. Visit www.villageofossining.org for more information.