Play ADK has finalized its purchase of the former Branch and Callanan warehouse on Depot Street in downtown Saranac Lake, clearing the way for a capital project that hopes to transform the space into a children’s museum and family resource center serving the greater Tri-Lakes region of the Adirondacks (Lake Placid, Saranac Lake, Tupper Lake).
Play ADK purchased the property from HES Ventures. There are plans afoot to expand the 10,000 square foot historic warehouse to 15,000 square feet. It’s hoped the museum will serve as an interactive, kid- and family-focused play center, offering exhibits and experiences to engage children in active and imaginative play. Plans for the resource center include providing parents with essential family services including parenting classes, peer support groups, WIC programming and more.
In addition to Play ADK, several projects aimed at revitalizing Saranac Lake’s historic Depot Street neighborhood are in the works, including a 65-unit mixed income housing complex and the new multi-use recreational path connecting Lake Placid, Saranac Lake and Tupper Lake.
The purchase of the warehouse was made possible by a grant from the Cloudsplitter Foundation as well as contributions from donors in the community, local foundations and New York State’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative and the North Country Regional Economic Development Council.
As rehabilitation of the Depot Street warehouse gets underway, Play ADK has established a temporary presence at 84 Main Street in Saranac Lake. The space is managed by Tell Media and also hosts the Northern Forest Canoe Trail and exhibits by local artists. As COVID-19 restrictions are lifted, Play ADK plans to host small play exhibits and other family-focused programming.
Fundraising will continue throughout the summer as Play ADK looks to secure funding to bring the project to completion. For more information, or to support Play ADK with a charitable gift, visit their website or contact Rob Carr at robcarr@playadk.org or (518) 304-7440.
Leave a Reply