Slideshow: New street in Potsdam

POTSDAM -- Construction has begun on Brooks Street, a new road in downtown Potsdam, connecting Raymond and Depot streets.

About two dozen community leaders and government officials celebrated the start of construction of a new street as part of downtown revitalization efforts on Thursday, April 24.

"One step at a time, one block at a time, we are making our downtown more vibrant," said Potsdam Mayor Alexandra Jacobs Wilke.

The street is named after architect Brooks Washburn, owner of the mall. He donated land to the village for the street. In exchange for receiving the land, the village gave some of the current public parking lot in front of the children's museum to Washburn, who then donated the land to the museum.

“The mall parking lot was being used as a street, which was dangerous,” said Washburn, who came up with the idea of the land swap in the Spring of 2020 at the start of COVID.

“With the grant for the street, the street is now happening,” he said.

“Part of this project is helping the Children’s Museum. Brooks donated a front yard to the museum, will be developed into indoor and outdoor exhibit spaces,” said Sharon Williams, Executive Director of the Children’s Museum.

"This project is a major step forward in our Downtown Revitalization Initiative, and we are proud to be moving ahead with a vision focused on accessibility, sustainability and growth," said Village Administrator Isabel Gates-Shult.

"Once completed, Brooks Street will feature brand-new sidewalks, energy-efficient LED lighting, beautiful street trees and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure -- all designed to enhance safety, walkability and the overall experience for residents and visitors alike," she said.

Wilke noted the many businesses and organizations that are adjacent to the new street, including the Market Square Mall "which is being revamped inside and out.

Also located in the area are the North Country Children's Museum, Mama Lucia, SLC Arts  a pediatric office and the Cactus Grill on Raymond Street, and Potsdam Tire and Auto, which features a mural on the back wall that faces the public parking lot.

Garner Park, which was recently redesigned, is also located in the area, between Market Square Mall and the Raquette River.

In addition to village staff, the project’s development team includes LaBella Associates, Maine Land Surveying, and T.J. Fiacco Construction.

Major funding for the project is from Northern Border Regional Commission and support from the St. Lawrence River Valley Development Agency / St. Lawrence  County Industrial Development Agency. 

The Northern Border Regional Commission will provide a grant not exceeding $279,968 to help pay for the work. Total development and construction costs are projected to be $377,050

“This project is an important step in our work to reconnect and revitalize a key part of downtown Potsdam,” said Wilke. “Brooks Street will not only improve circulation and safety but also help create the kind of vibrant, people-friendly spaces that make our community stronger and more resilient.”