BY PAUL MITCHELLNorth Country This Week

CANTON – The new owner of Canton landmark wants to be part of a pending downtown revitalization in the village of Canton.

Will Pena purchased the Tick Tock from the Cassera family, closing on the 9-11 Hodskin Street property on July 12.

“I’m excited about this project. My dream is to make this happen and bring this property back to life,” stated Pena, who owns McDuff’s Pub in Potsdam. “I have a passion for real estate and historical rehab. I like this block because of what the village has done with parking and the electric charging stations.”

His aspirations in the 4,000-square-foot downstairs area include offering a kitchen serving lunch and dinner, a lounge area and a space to host sports teams and other gatherings. He eventually wants to have an outside deck area. He also plans to continue the tradition of a college hangout at night.

Upstairs, Pena wants to convert the two three-bedroom apartments into four one-bedroom units. The price tag of the entire project is around $1.2 million, said Pena.

Pena is seeking funding through the village’s $4.5 million NY Forward grant.

“Hopefully I’ll be chosen. I’m hoping to meet all the thresholds,” he said. “Without the NY Forward funding will really delay the progress and I’ll have to do it in segments,” Pena noted. The deadline to submit a project proposal for NY Forward funding is Wednesday, July 31.

A long-time physical therapist, Pena said the keys to a successful business is assembling a good team based on trust and consistent customer service.

“People need a good place to go and explore,” he said.

If all goes well, Pena said he hopes to be open for business in the Fall of 2026.

Pena said he will be spending the next two days (July 30 and July 31) completing his project proposal that will be evaluated for potential inclusion in the Strategic Investment Plan for the village’s NY Forward program.

Pena’s plan was part of the village’s application for the NY Forward grant in 2023.

The Tick Tock narrative read:

Description: This project will involve the renovation of the entire multi-use property, restoring and significantly improving a restaurant, bar, and multiple apartments. This location has long been a staple of the community and a popular spot among college students and residents alike. The property will be brought up to meet or exceed code standards, green and sustainable improvements will be made, and housing and jobs will be made available to the community.

Program Goals: Activate downtown with a strong sense of place; promote new dining and entertainment options; build a diverse population with diverse housing and employment opportunities; reduce greenhouse gas emissions by supporting efficiency of buildings.

Readiness: The owner has committed private equity and is prepared to secure loans to move the project forward if an injection of grant funds can be secured.