Excellence Award Spotlight: The NEST at Strand-Lamon
The NEST is an exciting new hub for performance art and entrepreneurship in the North Country. The two building complex located just off the historic Public Square in downtown Watertown consists of the 1914 Strand Theater and the adjacent c.1900 Lamon Building. The redevelopment has created a dynamic and innovative partnership between SUNY Jefferson Community College (JCC) and the HarmoNNY Performing Arts Group. JCC's NEST facility provides versatile co-working space, conference rooms, bookable offices, high speed internet, and free access to training for members. Above the Lamon Building is now a new fully accessible outdoor rooftop deck and lounge providing a unique reception and performance venue. The Strand Theater, featuring a flexible theater with a small stage for presentations and theatrical performances, is the highlight of the complex. This adaptive reuse project was recognized with a 2025 Excellence in Historic Preservation Award.
“I’m very proud for Neighbors of Watertown to be part of this exciting project,” said Reginald Schweitzer, Executive Director. “The Strand Theatre & Lamon building faced many threats through the years but are now poised to be a community asset long into the future. This preservation project is already breathing new life into the area and has become the primary destination for performing arts as well as those looking to create new businesses.”
“The NEST project salvaged underutilized Watertown landmarks and reimagined them as vital elements to a broader downtown revitalization strategy," said Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight. "This project reflects the collaborative efforts of state government, higher education, nonprofits, and local partners, and has provided a sustainable model for adaptive reuse that generates community benefits to support the economic and cultural landscape of Watertown.”
“The opportunity to be part of this incredible transformation is beyond anything we imagined,” said Joseph Foy, President of HarmoNNY. “The Strand and the Lamon Building are already uplifting the arts and business community in profound ways, and we’re honored to contribute to the creative energy these spaces are fostering.”
The NEST is an excellent example of how underutilized structures can be successfully rehabilitated by leveraging public funding sources and complying with the Secretary of the Interiors Standards to take advantage of the historic preservation rehabilitation tax credits. With careful planning and attention to detail the redeveloped Strand & Lamon buildings have retained their historic character and revitalized this empty corner of downtown.
The managing development partner, Neighbors of Watertown (Neighbors), has been a driving force in historic preservation and housing revitalization in Watertown for over 30 years. The Strand & Lamon buildings have long struggled to keep tenants, and several times were targeted for demolition. Over many years Neighbors has looked for opportunities to revitalize the two properties – while across town, JCC talked about the impact that they might see if they had a downtown presence focusing on workforce development training and support of entrepreneurs. With a $2.5 million grant from Empire State Development through New York State's Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI), and a combined construction investment of $3.85 million the partnership became reality with the use of historic tax credits.
The development team, including Reginald Schweitzer of Neighbors; Dr. Dan Dupee, President of JCC; Joe Foy of HarmoNNY; and preservation architects Crawford & Stearns, collaborated on a comprehensive redesign that links the two properties and provides the needed performance space, meeting rooms, event hosting, co-working rental offices, accessibility, and support facilities for all tenants. Crawford & Stearns team included Jon Carnes, Project Architect, and Beth Crawford who provided interior design services and prepared the rehabilitation tax credit applications. Scott Phelps General Contracting brought the team’s vision to light. Local sponsors for HarmoNNY at The Strand theater include the Northern New York Community Foundation, Watertown Savings Bank, and Stewart's Shops.
Photo gallery above showing the Strand and NEST spaces in use. Credit: Sackets Harbor Photographic Imaging and HarmonNY