South Street – which is locally known as “the street of dreams” – is primed for the next investment of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) that was awarded to Glens Falls in 2017… The City of Glens Falls could seek bids for construction of the 6,000 square-foot proposed market center as early as this spring!

The South Street area of Glens Falls was identified as an area in need of revitalization due to the high vacancy rates and dilapidated condition of the buildings. Through the DRI, the City of Glens Falls has worked to identify projects that have public benefit, stakeholder support, and are ready to be implemented. These DRI projects are implemented to catalyze investment in the area. 

The empty lot where the mixed event space will be built is across the street from another new business that’s establishing itself… Glens Falls Bagels owner Kerry Smith wasn’t concerned about the empty storefronts that surround his business when he opened – when he chose the location, he was aware that the city would be investing in South Street.  

Smith opened Glens Falls Bagels in mid-November, but has already signed a new lease. The property at 58 through 66 South Street was recently purchased by business partners Gregg Singer and Larissa Ovit. Singer and Ovit are excited to be investing in South Street, and have been called “trendsetters”.  Their investment is across the street from the mixed use event space, which is expected to bring people to the farmers’ market, community events, and concerts. Singer and Ovit plan to open a bar called the “Golden Monkey Lounge” and renovate the second level into four one-bedroom apartments.

In Glens Falls, Jacob Laing purchased 21 Ridge Street last July with the idea of creating an Airbnb in mind. This location has a dining space for roughly 50 people, and two apartments above. This spot has been the home to popular local eateries including Fiddleheads and more recently Birch Bark Eatery, which closed in February… Laing plans on offering the two upstairs apartments and the eatery as one Airbnb location.

The idea behind Airbnb was developed in San Francisco by roommates Brian Chesky and Joe Gebbia in 2007 – this concept of short-term living quarters with breakfast became an alternative for travelers who were unable to book a hotel due to a saturated market. The concept took off, and has since become a household name. 

Laing’s vision is to use this location as an Airbnb rental location with an added twist: guests would have access to the apartments above and the dining space, as a gathering spot for families hosting special events… He sees a need for guests to have a private event space available and included in their booking. Being able to combine the lodging and the event aspect of booking will make planning easier and more seamless for guests traveling to the area.

The location as a restaurant does have its challenges… The large front window – which is usually sought after by restaurateurs – is blocked off by an interior wall, which stops passersby from peering in and seeing the potential dining experience… Using the location as a private event space instead mitigates that challenge.

Laing hopes to have renovations completed by March, and would like to keep the property affordable for his future guests.