What becomes of a historic town under the constant pressure of progress? If it’s lucky, it has a group like the Cambridge Valley Community Development and Preservation Partnership advocating for it.
The Cambridge Valley Community Development and Preservation Partnership was launched in 2002 to preserve and promote cultural and recreational opportunities for the residents in Cambridge. The organization has restored numerous properties in this quaint village, including the former train depot, which was converted into a brewery.
“The historic Delaware & Hudson Passenger Depot, the crown jewel of the boarder Freight Yard Revitalization Project, a public-private initiative facilitated by the Cambridge Valley Community Development and Preservation Partnership, is now home to Argyle Brewing Company’s tap room. The Community Loan Fund provided important financing throughout the multi-year, multi-building revitalization project in the rural Village,” says Sarah Ashton, Board President, Cambridge Valley Community Development & Preservation Partnership. The Freight Yard also includes a former blacksmith shop that was converted into a dance studio, and Hubbard Hall Center for Arts and Education.
This year, the Community Loan Fund providing $100,000 in financing to help the organization purchase and start renovations on another disinvested property, which will become a mix of commercial space, community space, and low-income housing. Known as the Cambridge Lumber Yard Revitalization Project, the 2.6 acre property has frontage on Main Street and Railroad Avenue and hosts five structures.
“Phase One of the Cambridge Lumber Yard Revitalization Project involves acquiring the property, engaging the community in a participatory process to develop a comprehensive needs assessment and design plan for the site, and beginning rehabilitation of 9 West Main Street (the largest mixed-use structure on the property),” says Ashton.
The project is expected to span several years and use a mix of public and private funding.
