Former Duofold Factory | Village of Ilion, NY

Revitalizing Brownfield Property: Master Plan for a Thriving Community

Description

The Village of Ilion, NY is located in Herkimer County along the Mohawk River. Technical assistance was provided via brownfields reuse planning for the contaminated Duofold Site. The Duofold Plant Redevelopment Concept Plan illustrates a comprehensive site redevelopment and revitalizing of the contaminated property into a mixed-use area that provides industrial opportunities, retail and small business opportunities, housing, and space for community gatherings and events. The goal of this plan is to expand economic activity and attract new residents, infusing a new level of energy into the Village.

The Duofold site is historically significant within the community and to the technology manufacturing industry. The 12.7-acre site currently houses 134,000 SF of building space across three existing structures on the property. The primary industrial buildings may be able to be rehabilitated and may be eligible for historic designation. In the Plan, the site is split into 4 sites and includes a program of 125 residences, a brew house and a market. An alternative option will convert the top floor of both buildings into a boutique hotel or short-term residences.

The retail area will be raised for flood requirements and will open to internal shared courtyards. Parking and traffic circulation will be hidden behind the buildings minimizing the visual impact from Spruce Street. Similar to the retail frontage, the light industrial activity will be set back from the adjacent residential neighborhood. Truck traffic will be diverted to the rear of the site along West River Street.

Three Primary Anchors for the Urban Design

  • ‘Gateway’ retail along Spruce St. to capitalize on visibility at the entryway to the Village.
  • The former Duofold Plant buildings in the center of the site offering mixed commercial and housing.
  • Light industrial uses on the west parcel of the site that acknowledge the surrounding neighborhood.

Project Information


Revitalizing Contaminated Properties

VMWP’s urban design studio specializes in transforming brownfields and hazardous sites into valuable assets for communities nationwide. We partner with organizations like ICF International, the US EPA, local governments, and private shareholders to revitalize contaminated properties. Our expert team conducts comprehensive assessments to unveil a property’s potential for expansion, redevelopment, or reuse, ultimately driving sustainable growth. We actively participate in “SMART Growth Charrettes,” providing urban design services that promote resilient and sustainable development across the country as part of technical assistance programs led by the EPA.

Van Meter Williams Pollack LLP