67 New Homes, Local Dining, and More Coming to Johnson City’s Riverside Drive

Local and state officials joined Square Deal Partners on Monday to celebrate the groundbreaking of Riverside Gardens, a $15.5 million redevelopment project that officials say will transform the long-vacant Davis College campus at 400 Riverside Drive in Johnson City.

The project will bring 67 market-rate apartments and approximately 22,000 square feet of commercial space to the heart of the village.

Blending Residential Living with Community-Focused Development

Led by Square Deal Partners, Riverside Gardens is designed to create a mixed-use environment that combines modern residential amenities with commercial offerings. According to Broome County Executive Jason Garnar, residents will have access to on-site fitness and recreation areas, gaming lounges, private storage, and outdoor grilling spaces.

READ MORE: The Interesting Story Behind Davis College's Origins

The development will also include public-facing features such as a new restaurant, a gymnasium, and EV charging stations.

Backed by Local and State Support

The project is supported through multiple funding sources, including a $500,000 award from New York State’s Restore New York Communities Initiative and a $500,000 investment from Broome County’s new Economic Development Fund.

Additional support has been provided by the Broome County Industrial Development Agency in the form of sales and mortgage tax exemptions and a PILOT (Payment in Lieu of Taxes) agreement.

Addressing the Region’s Housing Needs

Broome County Executive Jason Garnar emphasized the project’s importance in tackling local housing shortages. “Riverside Gardens brings new life to a key area in Johnson City and addresses our growing need for more housing,” Garnar said. Garnar stressed that Broome County sees this as a model project and is proud to support it through its new Economic Development Fund, the first of many planned community investments.

Revitalizing a Dormant Landmark

The Davis College property, situated in a residential neighborhood, has remained unused for several years. Village of Johnson City Mayor Martin Meaney said the project will revitalize the area while meeting critical housing demands. “This redevelopment will provide much-needed housing and bring vibrancy back into this beautiful parklike setting,” he noted.

A Milestone in Broome County’s Redevelopment Strategy

Stacey Duncan, CEO of the Leadership Alliance, called the groundbreaking “a significant step forward in the continued redevelopment of underutilized properties in Broome County.”

Richard Gangemi, CEO of Fahs Construction Group, echoed that sentiment: “Today’s groundbreaking is more than the start of construction, it is a transformation of this historic property into something meaningful for this community.”

State Leaders Applaud Collaborative Efforts

Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo expressed enthusiasm for the project’s potential to energize the area. “Once complete, this new community will be home to 67 units, a restaurant, recreational areas, and EV charging stations, along with its own iconic post office,” she said.

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State Senator Lea Webb also recognized the impact of the development, stating, “This $15.5 million redevelopment will turn a long-vacant campus into a vibrant place to live, work, and gather. It’s exactly the kind of investment that helps communities thrive.”