Construction is set to begin at the site of the former Arthur S. May Elementary School at Raymond Avenue in the Town of Poughkeepsie. The mixed-use redevelopment project, to be called The Arlington, will include residences, commercial and retail spaces – and the preservation of an important piece of the site’s history: the main portion of the historic school.
“The Arlington’s design simultaneously pays homage to Poughkeepsie’s past while being part of Arlington Town Center’s future,” says John Pinna, chairman of the Town of Poughkeepsie Historic Commission. “A highlight is the repurposing of the school, a solution that retains a large portion of the iconic site, including its façade and the main, rectangular building, and fulfills the developer’s early commitment to look for ways to save the school.”
The developer, Arthur May Redevelopment, LLC, (AMR), an affiliate of Poughkeepsie-based PAZ Management, Inc., has been closely coordinating with state and local authorities for the past few years. Following these efforts, the highly anticipated project received an official and unanimous go-ahead from the Town of Poughkeepsie Planning Board. BBL will serve as construction manager for The Arlington, which will seek a National Green Building certification.
The project will be delivered in two phases, with the first units of Phase 1 expected to be delivered in late Summer 2022. Phase 1 features 63 modern, energy efficient, market rate rentals, a combination of one- and two-bedroom units in two buildings, as well as 16,000 square feet of commercial and retail space. Residential units will feature 9’ to 11’ ceilings, oversized windows for extra natural light, open floor plans, energy efficient appliances and immediate access to the walkable amenities of the Arlington Town Center. Upon completion of both phases, The Arlington will include 197 units and more than 20,000 square feet of commercial space on 6.8 acres in the heart of the Town of Poughkeepsie’s Arlington Town Center. Amenities will include a fitness center, recreation area, dog park, package pickup services, covered parking and more.
“This development is part of the bigger vision for the Arlington Town Center,” said Bob Legacy, president of the Arlington Business Improvement District, who worked closely with Jacob Reckess, vice president of PAZ Management, Inc., throughout the planning process. “The thoughtful revitalization brings vibrancy to the town, as it supports the many popular restaurants, shops and walkable areas surrounding Vassar College, and becomes an undeniable attraction for residents, neighbors and visitors alike. It also supports the Business Improvement District’s strategic plan and the many events, such as free movie nights and block parties, that have been bringing a fresh energy into the neighborhood recently.”
Closed to students since 2014, the former Arthur S. May school building sat vacant in the middle of a walkable corridor in the Arlington Town Center. After more than 95 years off the tax base, it is now back on the town’s tax roll, adding value to the community and directly benefiting the township, school system, fire department and other jurisdictions. As part of The Arlington’s development, AMR is also improving components of the local highway system, which will enhance traffic flow around the area.
“This project is a win for the entire community,” said Frank Castella, Jr., president and CEO of the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce. “The developer, a Poughkeepsie-based organization owned and operated by a civic-minded family, is to be commended for its willingness to lead and invest through this signature project, which will complete the Arlington Town Center.”