BY JIMMY LAWTON
North Country This Week

OGDENSBURG — Ogdensburg will receive $1.3 million in Restore New York Funding to rehab part of the former Hackett’s Hardware and allow a local businessman to turn it back into a retail store.

Rob Noble, who built a successful career as a minister and owner of a small chain of Noble ACE Hardware stores in Vermont, New York and New Hampshire, made the request to the city council Aug. 23.

The city agreed to seek the grant and was successful in receiving the Restore New York funding, according to a press release issued by Gov. Kathy Hochul Wednesday.

Noble said the project is multi-faceted in that the building he intends to buy will bring fiscal relief and stability to the Ogdensburg Rescue Squad.

The squad currently uses a portion of the building, but owes more than $1 million for the property.

Noble plans to pay off the loan, lease a portion to the squad and restore the unused portion and open a store in it.

Noble said he’s already been working with local leaders to get things lined up. He offered appreciation to St. Lawrence County Legislator Jim Reagen, who spoke to council on his behalf Monday, the St. Lawrence County Industrial Development Agency, the City Planner, the rescue squad and others who have helped along the way.

Noble said he has a team that’s ready to assist and get things moving.

“My company brings to the table an experienced team that can help with purchasing, marketing, payroll and accounting services to this project. My company and the Ace Hardware Cooperative will pay the cost of stocking the store with a variety of goods that will make it a major shopping destination for Ogdensburg and Northern New York,” he said.

Noble said that while he is excited to get started on the project, the grant was crucial in moving things forward as the building is in rough shape.

“I believe I can build a successful company here in Ogdensburg, but unfortunately, the building I want to use has sat too long. It has deteriorated too much and needs extensive rehabilitation work to save this important structure and help transform it back into a successful retail business center again,” he said.

The more than $1.3 million grant should allow Noble to get things moving.