$70 million effort is one of the largest economic development projects in the North Country
(Ticonderoga, N.Y.) – Fort Ticonderoga announced today the completion of the $9 million restoration of the 1826 National Historic Landmark, the Pavilion, at a press conference that included New York State officials and regional and community leaders.
The Pavilion restoration and adaptive re-use project was partially funded with a $2,445,000 grant from the New York State Council for the Arts, $500,000 from the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, and $100,000 from the New York Department of Environmental Conservation. Additionally, a grant of $70,544 from I LOVE NY supported the expanded visitor experience in the Pavilion node, including the Carillon Boat and the dock infrastructure. The remainder of the Pavilion project was made possible by generous private donor and foundation support, as well as a historic tax credit partnership with Arrow Corporation.
“Fort Ticonderoga is exceedingly grateful to all of our partners who made this significant project possible, said Beth L. Hill, Fort Ticonderoga President and CEO. “The Pavilion restoration project saved a national treasure while expanding Fort Ticonderoga’s capacity as a major cultural destination. The completed Pavilion includes expanded visitor amenities, a conference center and private rental capacity, and new educational and exhibition space.”
“We are thrilled to have provided $2.5 million in capital support for this transformational visitor experience project.” said Mara Manus, Executive Director, New York State Council on the Arts. “NYSCA’s investment in the restoration of Fort Ticonderoga’s historic Pavilion will expand programming and invite tourists to one of our State’s greatest destinations.”
Empire State Development Vice President and Executive Director of Tourism Ross D. Levi said, “Fort Ticonderoga is one of New York’s premier attractions and a crown jewel for the Adirondacks, welcoming a diverse range of guests and appealing to many interests. The newly restored and renovated Pavilion will encourage more visitors to experience the Fort through new opportunities and special events, complementing any New York State getaway. We encourage everyone to come be a part of it and plan a trip to find what they love in New York State.”
“The Pavilion restoration is another milestone in the continuing investment in Fort Ticonderoga’s future,” said Garry Douglas, President of the North Country Chamber of Commerce. “The restored Pavilion will be a major asset to the Fort’s mission going forward, preserving a facet of the varied past of this great national site with much more to come. We congratulate and thank all involved in this important project and look forward to continuing to support the Fort’s exciting plans for the years ahead. Onward and upward!”
“The completion of the Pavilion restoration project is great news for Fort Ticonderoga and surrounding communities,” said Senator Dan Stec. “Restoring this historic site will expand opportunities and potential, making Fort Ticonderoga an even better destination for tourists. This will provide vital revenue and jobs for our region for years to come.”
Fort Ticonderoga also announced it has raised nearly $20 million towards the $70 million capital campaign to further enhance the visitor experience. The next phase includes the acquisition of the single most important private collection of 18th-century militaria and the construction of a new state-of-the-art museum to house and display the growing collections of historical importance. The museum will serve as the premier North American military history museum, spanning colonization through the new American nation’s creation.
In 2016, Fort Ticonderoga’s annual economic impact was estimated at $12 million, but by 2030 it is conservatively estimated to contribute $77 million to the local economy with our planned additions.
Other economic impacts through 2030 include:
- $549 million in total economic output
- $56 million tax revenue benefit
- 678 direct and indirect jobs created
“In the last decade, Fort Ticonderoga has experienced significant growth in visitors, economic impact, and educational reach,” said Beth Hill, President & CEO of Fort Ticonderoga. “We continue to offer an unmatched glimpse into the past through our collections, living history programs, and academic programming on the very grounds where freedom was advanced. As we prepare for our national 250th Commemoration, we are thrilled to move forward with these defining plans.”
About Fort Ticonderoga:
Welcoming visitors since 1909, Fort Ticonderoga preserves North America’s largest 18th-century artillery collection, 2,000 acres of historic landscape on Lake Champlain, and Carillon Battlefield, and the largest series of untouched Revolutionary War era earthworks surviving in America. As a multi-day destination and the premier place to learn more about our nation’s earliest years and America’s military heritage, Fort Ticonderoga engages more than 75,000 visitors each year with an economic impact of more than $12 million annually and offers programs, historic interpretation, boat cruises, tours, demonstrations, and exhibits throughout the year, and is open for daily visitation May through October. To view Fort Ticonderoga’s Electronic Press Kit (EPK), click here. Fort Ticonderoga is supported in part through generous donations and with some general operating support made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts. © The Fort Ticonderoga Association. 2022 All Rights Reserved.