Peck Memorial to get $1 million for Restoration

The winners of the NY Forward Grant were announced on Tuesday, May 12, and Marathon has won $4.5 million for six projects throughout the community. One of the most exciting of those projects is the $1 million awarded to the historic Peck Memorial Library to restore and revitalize the cherished building.

The money will go to modernizing and increasing accessibility in the building. An elevator will be added, and bathrooms and emergency exits will be renovated. Repairs will also be made to the exterior of the building, including masonry and window repairs, and a new roof.

The most exciting part of the project is the planned restoration of the opera house on the second floor. They hope to bring life back to the stage once again. This treasured staple of Marathon will once again host events, allowing activity in this historic establishment for years to come.

Other projects that won grant money include Lovell Field and the Civic Center, the former IMTS building, housing on Route 11, the building on the corner of Main and Broome streets, and a general small project fund for mixed-use and commercial property improvements.

State Senator Lea Webb released a statement congratulating the community, "Villages like Marathon are what make Upstate, NY such a beautiful place to visit. I’m thrilled that Marathon has been selected to receive $4.5 million through the NY Forward initiative. This investment will transform their downtown by creating new businesses, revitalizing historic buildings, and developing more housing, enabling Marathon to continue to grow. As the home of the CNY Maple Festival, thousands of visitors will be able to enjoy these improvements for years to come."

This money and the projects it funds will bring new life to our small community, and I certainly cannot wait.

Sources:
www.nysenate.gov
www.wxhc.com