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Hornell BOCES Property Listed: Opportunity for Steuben County Redevelopment

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  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2026/01/0 .. pportunity-for-steuben-county-redevelopment.html
  Published in House and Home on Wednesday, January 7th 2026 at 16:10 GMT by fingerlakes1

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Hornell BOCES Property Sale Signals Potential Redevelopment Opportunity in Steuben County

The former Hornell BOCES (Board of Cooperative Educational Services) campus, a significant 78-acre property in Steuben County, New York, has officially been listed for sale, signaling a potential turning point for the area and opening doors for diverse redevelopment possibilities. The listing, announced by Finger Lakes 1.com on January 7th, 2026, comes after years of BOCES consolidating operations and ultimately deciding to vacate the sprawling campus. This article will summarize the details of the sale, the history of the property, potential uses highlighted by officials, and the overall economic implications for the Hornell area.

For decades, the Hornell BOCES campus served as a regional hub for career and technical education, providing specialized programs for students from multiple school districts. However, the shift towards centralized BOCES facilities, prioritizing efficiency and updated technology, led to the decision to consolidate programs at the Arkport campus. This left the Hornell site vacant and, after extensive evaluation, ultimately slated for sale. According to a press release linked in the Finger Lakes 1.com article, the decision wasn't taken lightly, with BOCES carefully considering the potential impact on the community and striving to find a buyer who would contribute positively to the region.

The property itself is substantial. Located at 700 Seneca Road, Hornell, it comprises approximately 78 acres and includes a mix of buildings totaling over 200,000 square feet. While the buildings are described as needing “significant renovation” (as detailed in a linked Steuben County Industrial Development Agency (SCIDA) document), the land itself is largely level and offers excellent visibility and accessibility. This combination of size, location, and road frontage makes the property attractive for a wide range of potential developers.

Officials are actively promoting a variety of potential uses for the site, with a clear focus on economic development and community benefit. The SCIDA is heavily involved, aiming to attract proposals that will create jobs, generate tax revenue, and enhance the quality of life in Hornell and Steuben County. The Finger Lakes 1.com article, and subsequent SCIDA information, highlights several possibilities.

Among the most discussed options is a mixed-use development incorporating housing, retail, and light industrial spaces. Given the housing shortage in the region, this is viewed as a particularly promising avenue. The scale of the property would allow for a substantial housing project, potentially including apartments, townhouses, and even single-family homes. Retail spaces could cater to both residents of the new development and the broader community, while light industrial could attract businesses looking for affordable space and strategic location.

Another frequently mentioned possibility is a focus on educational or training facilities. Leveraging the history of the site as a BOCES campus, repurposing buildings for a new college campus, a trade school, or a specialized training center is being considered. This would complement existing educational institutions in the area and provide opportunities for workforce development.

Furthermore, the SCIDA is open to proposals for recreational or tourism-based developments. The large property size could accommodate a sports complex, an entertainment venue, or even a campground. This would appeal to the growing tourism industry in the Finger Lakes region and provide additional amenities for residents.

The potential economic impact of redeveloping the Hornell BOCES campus is significant. The sale will generate revenue for BOCES, allowing them to reinvest in their remaining programs. The redevelopment itself is expected to create construction jobs, followed by permanent jobs within the new businesses or organizations that locate on the site. Increased tax revenue will benefit local governments and schools.

However, the project also presents challenges. The required significant renovation of existing buildings, or the potential cost of demolition and new construction, is a considerable hurdle for potential developers. Environmental remediation might also be necessary, depending on the findings of site assessments. Furthermore, navigating the approval process for a large-scale development can be complex and time-consuming.

The SCIDA is actively working to address these challenges and streamline the development process. They are offering incentives to attract qualified developers and are committed to working collaboratively with the community to ensure that the redevelopment aligns with the region’s long-term goals. A dedicated webpage, linked from the SCIDA resources referenced in the article, provides detailed information for prospective buyers, including site plans, zoning regulations, and contact information.

In conclusion, the listing of the former Hornell BOCES campus represents a major opportunity for Steuben County. The property’s size, location, and potential for diverse redevelopment offer a compelling prospect for investors and developers. While challenges remain, the proactive approach of the SCIDA and the widespread interest in the site suggest a positive outlook for the future. The coming months will be critical as potential buyers evaluate the property and submit proposals, ultimately determining the next chapter for this important piece of land in the Hornell community.