Contact:
Michael Basso
Director of Marketing & Public Relations
Springbrook
105 Campus Drive
Oneonta, New York 13820
Phone: (607) 386 4852
Email: bassom@springbrookny.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 31, 2024
Unveiling of The Ford on Main a Resounding Success for Springbrook
Oneonta, NY: Springbrook celebrated a significant milestone with the successful unveiling of The Ford on Main, a transformative mixed-use development in downtown Oneonta. The event, held on May 30th, 2024, brought together community members, local dignitaries, and notable speakers, including Congressman Marc Molinaro, U.S. representative for New York’s 19th congressional district, from whom they received a Congressional Proclamation in recognition of the ribbon cutting. Springbrook also received a citation from Brian Miller, member of the New York State Assembly, 122nd Assembly District, on behalf of the New York State Assembly to commemorate this momentous occasion on the grand opening of The Ford on Main.
The afternoon was kicked off with a VIP reception in the lobby of The Ford on Main, featuring private tours, cocktails, and hors d’oeuvres. The reception was sponsored by Air Temp and catered by Social Eats. Attendees were treated to music, enriching conversations, and a preview of the innovative residential spaces within the historic building. After the VIP reception, a ribbon-cutting ceremony took place at Muller Plaza. Congressman Marc Molinaro, alongside Springbrook’s leadership, highlighted the project’s importance in addressing Oneonta’s housing needs, expanding job opportunities and employment through local employers and the Employment Hub, and preserving the city’s historic character.
New York Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley provided a statement saying, “Governor Hochul has established housing affordability and diversity as key components of downtown revitalization and economic development in New York State. The Ford on Main project is an excellent example of the transformative role that the Downtown Revitalization Initiative plays in creating vibrant, sustainable, and equitable communities, both here in Oneonta and throughout the State. We congratulate Springbrook and the City for this remarkable addition to their burgeoning downtown.” The Ford on Main project received $885,000 from the Downtown Improvement Fund as part of the DRI. The City of Oneonta was named a Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) round 1 winner in 2016. The Downtown Improvement Fund made 52 awards that funded façade improvements and added 24 housing units to the downtown. Other projects awarded DRI funding include the Dietz Street Lofts, the Market Street Transportation Improvements Project, and the City of Oneonta Branding and Marketing Campaign.
The festivities continued with activities that included a kids’ zone, a beverage garden featuring Brewery Ommegang, and guided tours for the public of the newly renovated building. Guests enjoyed tastings available in the third-floor apartments from a variety of local restaurants, including the Autumn Cafe, Bella Michael’s, B Side, Latte Lounge (which announced the expansion of their storefront at the event), Vêsucré, and Wise Guys Sammy’s, adding a culinary delight to the celebration. Springbrook wishes to extend its heartfelt gratitude to the sponsors who made this event possible: Key Bank, Community Preservation Corporation, OneGroup, Townsquare Media, and Air Temp. Their generous support underscores the community’s commitment to fostering development and enhancing the quality of life in Oneonta.
“The Ford on Main is more than a building; it’s a community hub that will serve as a catalyst for future growth and prosperity in Oneonta,” said Patricia Kennedy, CEO of Springbrook, who is excited about the renewed vibrancy that housing and employment will create downtown. “We are immensely proud of this project and grateful to everyone who supported its realization.”
For more information about The Ford on Main and future Springbrook events, please visit The Ford on Main website.
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Springbrook provides at-home care, residential and educational services, day services, and clinical, therapeutic, and behavioral support to over 1,100 people with developmental disabilities across New York State. The organization is Otsego County’s third-largest employer, with more than 1,300 employees.