Tired of all the Bass Pro talk and convinced the project will never happen, skip this post. If you believe that Bass Pro is real and need a sign that things are inching forward, albeit slowly, read on.
Before our break, it was announced that the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation has begun interviewing retail developers to take the lead on building the Bass Pro store and surrounding retail at the foot of Main Street. In September, Bass Pro determined that the cost to retrofit the Aud is too expensive and is opting for new construction. Bass Pro typically leases their stores; their expertise is not construction and development.
The selected developer, either a local or national firm, is being brought in to plan, permit, and construct not only the Bass Pro store, but also the retail on the site of the Donovan State office building and potentially the vacant Webster Block in front of the HSBC Atrium building. The developer is also expected to bring leasing and management expertise to the project and would be called upon to help create a unique retailing, mixed-use and lifestyle shopping destination. A mix of national, regional and local retailers and restaurants is likely. Inching along.