The Globe Building in downtown Watertown has officially reopened following a $4 million renovation supported by Empire State Development (ESD) and other partners. The refurbished building at 302 Court Street now houses BOCES Career & Technical Education and Adult Education programs on the first floor, with 11 market-rate apartments located above.
This redevelopment was part of Watertown’s $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) plan and received $558,000 in state DRI funding. ESD President, CEO & Commissioner Hope Knight stated, “This $4 million investment has breathed new life into the historic Globe Building, transforming a long-vacant downtown eyesore into a vibrant center for learning and living. This Watertown project is a powerful example of how Governor Hochul’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative is strengthening communities across the state by turning old spaces into new opportunities.”
Stephen Todd, District Superintendent of Jefferson-Lewis-Hamilton-Herkimer-Oneida BOCES, commented on the significance of the move: “We are thrilled to be able to bring our rapidly growing workforce development programs to downtown Watertown in this beautifully restored space. We are deeply grateful to Empire State Development and all of our key partners for making this possible, as it will be good for our high school and adult students, and it will also be good for our local employers in the healthcare industry.”
Dan Queri, Partner at 302 Globe, LLC said, “The commitment from Empire State Development along with other critical stakeholders in the project provided the necessary support to make this project a success. We are excited for BOCES, downtown Watertown and all of the students, faculty and staff that will utilize the newly renovated space.”
The building had been vacant for years before this redevelopment. Jefferson-Lewis BOCES has leased all 13,000 square feet of commercial space to expand its job-training programs. Over the past three years, enrollment in BOCES trade classes has increased by 35%, rising from 1,000 to 1,400 students. Classes began earlier this fall with the start of the 2025-26 school year.
The expansion was made possible through support from ESD as well as contributions from local organizations including the City of Watertown, Jefferson County, Jefferson County Local Development Corporation, Watertown Savings Bank, Watertown Local Development Corporation (WLDC), and Development Authority of the North Country (DANC). DANC provided construction financing while WLDC will serve as permanent financing partner upon completion.
Watertown Local Development Corporation CEO Kylee McGrath remarked on its impact: “The Globe’s transformation is a turning point for Court Street. Revitalizing a blighted building and bringing BOCES downtown adds new energy and creates a positive anchor for the street.”
Development Authority of the North Country Executive Director Carl E. Farone Jr. added: “The renovation of the former Globe building stands as a strong example of how public and private collaboration can drive meaningful community transformation. The Authority is proud to have partnered with New York State, Watertown Savings Bank, and the Watertown Local Development Corporation to revitalize this building to bring BOCES and market rate housing to downtown Watertown.”
City of Watertown Mayor Sarah V.C. Pierce noted both historical context and current relevance: “Built in the 1920s, the Globe Building was once a cornerstone of downtown Watertown before falling into disrepair. Today we celebrate not just the restoration of this historic landmark but its rebirth as a vibrant hub of energy and learning thanks to a partnership with BOCES. I extend my deepest gratitude to Dan Queri of 302 Globe LLC our dedicated City staff and our community and government partners at every level who helped make this important project a reality.”
Other recent investments aligned with DRI efforts include restoration projects supported by millions in state funding such as those involving Jefferson Community College/Neighbors of Watertown’s work on Franklin Street buildings; repurposing an unused YMCA facility; and redeveloping properties along Court Street.
Watertown was selected as a DRI Round 2 winner for New York’s North Country region in 2017—a program that has since awarded over $1 billion across more than 150 communities statewide.
Empire State Development serves as New York’s main economic development agency promoting business growth across ten regions through initiatives like broadband expansion via ConnectALL office; workforce development; small business assistance centers; tourism promotion; clean energy; semiconductor manufacturing support; among others.
Launched in 2016 under leadership from several state agencies including ESD—the Downtown Revitalization Initiative focuses on planning followed by immediate implementation aimed at revitalizing neighborhoods throughout New York State.
