Workers recently began hanging trusses in the first building of the St. Lawrence County Industrial Development Agency's park. The building will house the St. Lawrence Brewery as well as provide office space for the IDA. Viewer provide photo.

By JIMMY LAWTON

CANTON -- Construction of the first building in the St. Lawrence County Industrial Development Agency's park continues with hopes of completion by the end of the year.

Workers from Danko Construction, Massena, have finished much of the framing and were recently installing trusses at the new building located on Commerce Lane near the county jail.

A portion of the 15,000 square-foot building will be leased to Kenneth M. and Katrina G. Hebb who plan to open the St. Lawrence Brewery in the space. The Hebbs also operate Blackbird Café in downtown Canton.

IDA Director Patrick J. Kelly said approximately 4,000 square feet of the new facility will be used by the IDA staff for office and workspace.

Kelly said the remaining 6,000 square foot area is being marketed in preparation of the building’s opening.

"It is our intent to get businesses in there. It's within our ongoing marketing efforts," he said.

The building is the first to be constructed within the 22 acres of land acquired by the IDA for the creation of an industrial park, which will be used to attract new and expanding businesses to the area.

Kelly said the project is slated for completion by end of the year, with the St. Lawrence Brewery expected to move in soon after.