APA Headquarters Project Moves Forward Following Public Information Session

For Immediate Release: August 11, 2026

Contact:
Mary Newman | Public Information Officer | Adirondack Park Agency
contact@apa.ny.gov | (518) 891-4050

RAY BROOK, NY – The Adirondack Park Agency welcomed community members to a public information session on August 5 to learn more about plans for the Agency's future headquarters at 1-3 Main Street in Saranac Lake.

Throughout the four-hour session at the Harrietstown Town Hall, attendees met directly with representatives from the APA, New York State Office of General Services and the project's architecture and engineering teams. The information session provided an opportunity to view updated project renderings, ask questions and learn more about the design, public access improvements and other elements of the project.

The session also provided the project team with an opportunity to hear directly from the community members as planning continues. Attendees shared feedback on the updated design and discussed the ways the project can best support the surrounding community while creating a modern, functional headquarters for the Agency.

"The APA’s investment in this National Register-listed structure will bring new life into this under-used landmark, while restoring the building for generations to follow. Condition assessments of the building provide a path forward for rehabilitation and adaptive use of an existing structure makes good environmental sense. 50 years ago, government agencies were moving out of population centers in support of car-centered office complexes. This move will reverse that trend and promote sustainable development in a walkable downtown. AARCH would love to see more government agencies investing in our historic buildings, promoting downtown revitalization, and growing in an environmentally sustainable way." — Erin Tobin, Executive Director, Adirondack Architectural Heritage

"As a former member of the APA, I have followed with interest the debate about whether the APA should move its headquarters from Ray brook to Saranac Lake. It is well recognized that the existing APA headquarters are in poor condition and rehabilitating them would be extremely costly. Moving to Saranac Lake, one of the Park’s prominent villages, would be consistent with the guiding principles of the APA Act to concentrate development in existing hamlets. This proposal would revitalize two historic buildings, construct a new energy efficient office building, and include substantial stormwater management improvements to the existing parking lot. Relocating APA Headquarters to Main Street in the center of a community that is working hard to revitalize its downtown is sound land use planning and an outstanding example of State and Local government collaboration. In my opinion it makes eminent sense to make this move." — Peter S. Paine Jr., Former APA Board Member

"Moving the APA downtown would bring over 50 employees and regular public meetings to the area. This would introduce a consistent level of activity that is unaffected by seasonal fluctuations, helping position our business community for year-round success. As a state agency, the APA also provides a stable economic presence that remains resilient regardless of broader economic shifts. With over 40 years of professional experience focused on Adirondack hamlet economies, I am confident that this relocation will serve as a powerful non-tourism economic driver that would be difficult to replicate through other means.” — Jim McKenna, Co-Chair, Regional Economic Development Council and Former Co-Chair, Saranac Lake Downtown Revitalization Initiative "It is great to see the plans for a new APA headquarters proceeding strongly toward fruition. This remains an historic opportunity to rehouse the agency while simultaneously supporting the future of downtown Saranac Lake. We have been pleased to be a supporter and now look forward to implementation. Onward and upward!" — Garry Douglas, President and CEO, North Country Chamber of Commerce

"This project represents a transformational investment in our community’s core. By adaptively reusing two historic Main Street buildings alongside a modern, accessible new office space, the project preserves our unique local character while bringing long-term economic energy right into downtown. Hundreds of our local students will walk past this beautiful, revitalized space every day, seeing firsthand that stable, long-term careers are available right here at home. As our community grows, welcoming state-level investment and new business to Main Street is how we build a vibrant future." — Sean Ryan, Saranac Lake Village Trustee

"This project is a great addition to the Saranac Lake region, and I am especially pleased that it will preserve some of the historic buildings on Main Street. This project will not only help make the Agency more accessible, but it is also a great example of principles the APA has long promote. This move will also drive more economic stimulation to the downtown Saranac Lake region, further supporting local small businesses and family-owned restaurants in the area." — NYS Rep. Michael Cashman, Assembly District 115

"The Adirondack Park Agency's new headquarters at the historic Paul Smith's Electric Light and Power Building is an investment in the future of the Adirondacks and the people of New York State. By locating the Agency in downtown Saranac Lake, this project creates a headquarters that is more accessible and better connected to the communities it serves while strengthening the state’s partnership with its host locality. I commend Governor Hochul for her ongoing commitment to the Adirondacks, the Adirondack Park Agency, and our state and local partners for making this vision a reality. This project proves that environmental stewardship, historic preservation, and strong communities can go hand in hand for the benefit of the Adirondacks and all New Yorkers." — NYS Rep. Matt Simpson, Assembly District 114

The updated plans reflect continued coordination among the APA, New York State Office of General Services, the Village of Saranac Lake, New York State Historic Preservation Office, and broader project team. The project will adaptively reuse existing downtown buildings while incorporating new construction and improvements intended to strengthen connections to Main Street and the Saranac River waterfront.

For those who were unable to attend the information session, the APA has updated its online Headquarters Project Dashboard with the latest renderings, project information and materials presented at the event.

The APA will continue to provide updates and opportunities for public engagement as the project advances.

View the Updated Project Dashboard