The Regional Arts and Interactive Learning Revitalization Project is a comprehensive initiative located in Potsdam, NY that will redevelop two landmark buildings. It will include graduate student housing, market rate housing, business space, and a collaboration between the North Country Children's Museum and St. Lawrence County Arts Council. The project aims to bring renewed energy to the town square and connect people through arts, culture, and learning experiences both onsite and across the remote North Country region through partnerships like SUNY and Clarkson University. It seeks to improve accessibility to the arts and education for all North Country residents.

1. REGIONAL ARTS AND INTERACTIVE LEARNING REVITALIZATION PROJECT
Transforming the way information is shared and how communities connect through cultural arts enrichment and interactive learning experiences RAIL ▪

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RAIL │ Revi tal i zat ion Projec t
The Regional Arts and Interactive Learning Revitalization Project is a comprehensive, mixed-use initiative located in Potsdam NY. Its scope is framed around 2
redeveloped landmark buildings - Old Snell and Congdon Halls - with graduate student housing, market rate living, business areas, and an innovative
collaboration between the North Country Children’s Museum and St Lawrence County Arts Council as the project’s anchor partners, simply known as RAIL.
Designed with the unique challenges of our region a priority, this solution-driven project will bring renewed energy to a historic town square and connect people
and places through exploratory learning and arts engagement. A range of arts, culture and learning experiences will be presented both onsite and regionally
with a 'hub and spoke' model to ensure inspiring opportunities are accessible in the most remote, underserved areas of the North Country.
The scope includes STEAM K-12 interactive learning spaces with technology driven platforms; Virtual distribution hub with distance learning arts/education
programs; Entrepreneurs/artists business incubators; Changing exhibition gallery; Professional art studios; Performing arts space; Quality living units for
professionals; Graduate student housing with full amenities; Creative café with local farm-to-table options; Expansive green space for outdoor programming,
community events and regional festivals; and a Welcome Center where visitors learn about the North Country through historical images and art.
The project has received unprecedented support. It is cited in the Village of Potsdam's 2012-2022 strategic plan, was recognized as an important regional
initiative in NCREDC’s 2013 progress report VELOCITY and in 2014, designated by the Council as a regional priority with recommendation for a $3M state
investment. Partnerships representing a wide range of industry/location in shared programs and digital delivery include: NYS Arts Councils; NYS Library System;
Cross-regional/state art museums, attractions and cultural institutions; Universities including SUNY Potsdam/Canton/Plattsburgh, Jefferson Community College,
and St Lawrence University; and town/village partners strategically located in targeted areas.
Clarkson University has provided extraordinary support and is recognized as RAIL’s leading partner. The University’s continued dedication and commitment to
this project is unparalleled… from the selection of vision-minded Omni/Sequence Development as project developers to sharing its greatest resource - faculty
and students - for interactive learning space design and creating business/learning curriculums with advanced technology elements.
While being the State’s largest region, the North Country has the lowest population. Residents are spread across many rural areas that have suffered from
economic downturn. These small towns and villages continue in distress with growing barriers to the most basic needs, causing further isolation and disconnect.
Accessibility is both the challenge and solution. Combined efforts, programs and services have proven the way forward to stabilize rural populations and the RAIL
Revitalization Project advances this model with benefits that impact all areas of commerce, education and life.
By creating the region’s first venue to provide arts, culture and learning enrichment from one location, access is improved… and with digital delivery of programs
and wide-spanning partnerships, inspiring experiences will be accessible for all residents of the North Country, transforming it into one thriving community filled
with optimism and opportunity. The RAIL Revitalization Project is the digital corridor to support this shift.

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Team │ Programs
PARTNERS North Country Childrens Museum, Potsdam NY  St Lawrence County Arts Council, Potsdam NY
DEVELOPMENT Omni Housing Development, Albany NY  Sequence Development, Troy NY
ARCHITECTS McKinney MacDonald Architects, Latham NY  Brooks Washburn Architects, Potsdam NY
CONSTRUCTION U.W. Marx Construction, Troy NY
ENGINEERING Engineered Solutions, Clifton Park NY
VIRTUAL LEARNING RESOURCE CENTER Overcoming geographic and demographic challenges to provide opportunities to those with limited/no access.
A range of engaging distance learning experiences and reflective of relevant technology. Onsite programs inform the development of virtual programs and include business
development classes with online technical training for entrepreneurs/startups; guided docent gallery tours; grant writing workshops; STEAM K-12 workshops delivered to school
classrooms; and comprehensive arts instruction.
ENTREPRENEURS/ARTISTS BUSINESS INCUBATORS Merging passion and profit to strengthen an overall economy.
Spaces designed for a range of visual arts, design and literary entrepreneurs/startups that include technical assistance and business planning/development. The incubator puts
like-minded individuals together with peer to peer support, enabling them to collaborate and concentrate on long-range activities and business success.
STEAM K-12 INTERACTIVE LEARNING SPACES Building necessary framework for success in life through creative expression, learning and technology.
Children strengthen individual character and their ability to learn through STEAM based programs provided throughout 10 permanent spaces. They develop skills to make
thoughtful choices and plan their future based on individual needs and interests. Innovative technology supports a range of arts, cultural and science exhibits that encourage
creativity, inquiry, and learning.
CHANGING EXHIBITION GALLERY Instilling appreciation and understanding of art in a rural community.
With adjustable walls to accommodate traditionally mounted and diverse art shows including 2-d, 3-d and video art installations, the gallery will showcase local/regional artists;
permanent collections of partner institutions/universities; private individual collections; group shows for those enrolled in Studio Art Classes; juried art shows; and traveling
exhibits from leading national arts and cultural organizations.
PROFESSIONALLY EQUIPPED ART STUDIOS Utilizing art to expand ideas, explore self-perceptions and build self-esteem.
Professionally-equipped studios for ceramics, printmaking/mixed media and painting/drawing with arts curriculum developed and delivered by professional artists. A multi-use
performing arts space presents a dance, theater and movement curriculum. Classes for children, teens and adults are interwoven with art appreciation, history and criticism.
PROGRAMS STEAM K-12 learning programs with technology-based platforms; Experiential learning workshops covering a range of disciplines; Distance learning programs w/
business training; Business incubators with professional support; Art shows featuring local/regional artists, traditional and 2D/3D/Video installations; Arts instruction for
painting/drawing/ceramics and digital art; Performing arts curriculum; Experiential learning outreach in school classrooms; Field trip programs w/ learning package; Daily drop-in
workshops; Early childhood programs; Arts/learning camps; After-school enrichment series; Volunteer program w/ daily drop-in roles; Internships pairing high school/university
students; Mentorship program connecting high school/graduate students/veterans. OUTCOMES Regional destination for national/international visitors; Enhanced package
of regional assets/incentive for new private investment; Revitalized town square creating a thriving business district/attracting new merchants; Interregional collaborations in
shared programs; New Employment/range of permanent, ongoing contract roles, and construction jobs; Overcome barriers via digital delivery for economically distressed
populations; Increased success for entrepreneurs/startups; Workforce development via STEAM based learning/innovative technology; Bridge educational gaps in youth; Special
programs for disabled/veterans/seniors; Quality living units/attract new professionals to the area; Canadian relations advanced w/exchange program.

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ENVI S IONING │ Space

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STEAM K-12 INTERACTIVE LEARNING SPACES │ DETAIL
INNOVATION STATION  A series of interactive exhibits that inspire future inventors of all ages by exploring age-appropriate robotics-related STEAM K-12
concepts supported by hands-on workshops and interactive programming. While visiting the Robot Challenge Zone, children are encouraged to solve real-world
challenges (healthcare, sustainable energy, manufacturing) by using LEGO kits and computer based virtual systems. Within the Invention Zone, gaps are
identified and resolved as children design and build their own custom ‘product and patent’ via 3-d printing using MakerBot technology. Interactive multimedia
displays will introduce concepts such as rapid prototyping and business model generation with student intern support from the Shipley Center of Innovation.
Development Partners: Clarkson University, Shipley Center for Innovation.
ADIRONDACK SCIENCE PLAYGROUND  Children become excited to learn as they gain a scientific understanding of and exposure to environmental issues,
sustainability practices and how they personally fit into the ecosystem of the North Country. The ecology of the Adirondacks is explored through water and
hands-on discovery. Environmental knowledge is enhanced by presenting innovative learning techniques that feature the five component ecosystems connected
by water running from the tops of the Adirondack Peaks to the St Lawrence River. Each ecosystem component includes self-directed exercises that demonstrate
how water flows through the topography and creates a healthy environment for the plants, insects and animals and how we can all coexist. Development
Partners: SUNY Canton Science Department.
SOUND EXPERIENCE  Children explore different sounds within this colorful, magical space where every interaction causes a different aleatoric composition
of sound and light. By visiting the sound stations, kids learn about the five classifications of instruments used by ethnomusicologists including membranophones
(Things to Bang & Blow) idiophones (Things to Shake & Strike) aerophones (Sounds of Wind & Vibration) chordophones (Things to Hammer & Pluck) and
electrophones with electrified sound. Musical instruments extend this experience through hands-on exploration of a piano with color coded keys, the unique
Theremin, steel drums, and an organ with bellows for children to pump. Additional features include a listening center where children hear recorded music and
replicate songs and sounds; age-appropriate software for children to write musical scores or create a piece of electric music to be emailed as a sound file; and a
kid-sized theatre where children incorporate music and instruments with costumes and props to stage a performing arts piece. Development Partners: Crane
School of Music; SUNY Potsdam Theatre Department; K-12 music educators.
KIDPOWER  An energy-filled space where children get fit and have fun. Children embark on a journey through several stations including a kid-sized fitness
center, a ropes challenge, aerobic drumming balls and brightly colored ‘way finders’ guiding children through a series of interactive motivational messages and
educational exercises. This space includes a KidsRock Climbing Wall where younger children explore movement by traversing sideways and older kids test their
fitness knowledge by reading questions at the bottom, climb to the top and by ringing a bell, the answer is revealed. The entire family will enjoy the Healthy
Crime Lab station where health-related mysteries are explored and solved. A motion-sensitive floor changes as it is walked with a ping-pong table reflection
where kids use their hands or feet to volley a ball across the court to an opponent. Parents can take a rest or watch their children play from stadium styled
bleacher seats located on the perimeter of the space. Development Partners: Canton-Potsdam Hospital; K-12 health educators.
CONSTRUCTION ZONE  A kid-sized world where an endless imagination is the tool. With 4 interactive exhibits related to the industry of building, children
develop critical thinking skills, solve problems and learn to work as a team by exploring different aspects of construction. A light industrial digging machine
serves as the cornerstone of this space where contractors of all ages will envision working on an actual site. A featured space is the Skyscraper Excursion where
children can harness-up and walk the beams to pop plastic rivets and work on their project. Complete with a hard hat and tool belt, an oversized aerial-perspective
cityscape serves as the backdrop. Development Partners: Dragonfly Builders

6. PLAYSPACE  A safe and nurturing space for babies and toddlers with endless interactivities designed to inspire creativity, curiosity and intellect. The Curiosity
Center (ages 0-2) and the Adventure Alcove (ages 3-4) presents enriching experiences that include Sensory Explorations with sand, water, textures and a touch
‘n go wall; Gross Motor Skills development by crawling, climbing and balancing when exploring a tunnel system; Fine Motor Skills development through an
interactive sorting and matching shapes exercise; Visual/Auditory Enhancement with a visit to the touch-screen ‘me, my color, sound and art’ station; and Early
Childhood Literacy supported in the Reading Playhouse, a special place where children can have quiet time and explore a variety of books. This space also
includes a Nursing Nook with changing area. Development Partners: SUNY Canton Early Childhood Department; Potsdam Public Library.
ART STUDIO  Lively and well-equipped, this creative space inspires even the youngest budding artist to try out different materials and processes such as
collage, printmaking, clay, paper and fabric. Self-expression is encouraged in a textural and organic space where children enter and paint while learning about
the earliest form of art – cave painting and the history of art. A 3-d video art installation engages children in learning about artists and art movements. An
oversized spinning color wheel serves as an interactive center piece where visitors spin to properly align swatches and learn about primary, secondary and
tertiary colors. Additional elements include an ongoing collaborative ‘live art’ mural; a 3-d dimensional play area that incorporates an origami workshop; the
Papermaking Mill where children create their own paper from recycled materials; the Printmaking Shop with woodcuts/linocuts, hand-held brayer and rollers;
the Photography Studio for photogram exploration with light-sensitive paper and water; and a Digital Canvas Center where a blank computer screen inspires art
creation via interactive painting software with the final piece emailed to family and friends. Development Partners: St Lawrence County Arts Council; SUNY
Potsdam Art & Museum Studies Department; St Lawrence University Arts & Humanities Department.
KIDS CO-OP  The entrepreneurial spirit is awakened as children operate this mini natural foods market and present members with a sign-up card
demonstrating ownership. Complete with a cash register and item scanner, bulk bin products for weighing, and a brick oven. Visitors of all ages will enjoy the
‘good choice hunt’ where a standard shopping list serves as an interactive scavenger hunt that incorporates healthy food options and nutritional information
while finding items on the shelves. Table and chairs on the Front Porch provide the perfect space to simulate an afternoon snack or have an owners meeting to
learn about the 7 cooperative principals and steps that support a sustainable community. Development Partners: Potsdam Food Co-Op.
AKWESASNE MOHAWK LONGHOUSE  The greeting - Tekwanonhkwaratons! – welcomes visitors to this vibrant space to learn about the first people who
called the North Country home. Interactive experiences full of spirit, scale, and power demonstrate how the Akwesasne balance demands of everyday life in a
contemporary world by incorporating values of the past with the needs and demands of today. By exploring authentic objects, creating respectful art and
playing traditional games, children discover commonalities, celebrate heritage and build respect for a culturally diverse world. Development Partners:
Akwesasne Museum and Cultural Center.
MAPLE TREE CLIMBING SCULPTURE  This iconic multi-story natural gym encourages physical activity in children as they learn about maple syrup
production by exploring interactive elements woven throughout the trunk and branches. Centrally located, children will climb high and wide while transitioning
between the 10 interactive learning spaces as parents observe from the sculpture spiral trail. Development Partners: Dragonfly Builders
RAIL 6 of 10

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COLLABORATIONS │ ENDORSEMENT
The following includes collaborations in program development, partners in shared programming/digital delivery and project endorsements with
new relationships established on an ongoing basis.

Addie J. Russell, NYS Assembly 116th District
Adirondack Lakes Center for the Arts, Blue Mountain Lake
Adirondacks Arts Councils, Glens Falls & Westport
Akwesasne Museum and Cultural Center
Canton Potsdam Hospital, President and CEO
Canton Potsdam Hospital, Physicians
Champlain Valley Transportation Museum, Plattsburgh
Clarkson University, President
Clarkson University, Reh Center for Entrepreneurship
Clarkson University, Shipley Center of Innovation
Clarkson University, School of Engineering
Clarkson University, Digital Arts & Sciences
Dragonfly Builders and Construction
Foothills Art Society, Malone
Imaginarium Children’s Museum, Plattsburgh
Jefferson Community College, Department of Engineering
Joseph A. Griffo, NYS Senator 47th District
K-12 music and health educators, school systems
New York State Afterschool Network, New York
North Country Arts Council, Watertown
North Country Cultural Center for the Arts, Plattsburgh
NCREDC, 2013 Progress Report VELOCITY
North Star Day Programs, Malone
Norfolk-Norwood School District, Superintendent
NYS Arts Councils, state wide
NYS Library System, region wide
Potsdam Food Co-Op
Potsdam Public Library
Potsdam Public Museum
St Lawrence University, President
St Lawrence University, Arts & Humanities Department
St Lawrence University, Nature Up North
St Lawrence County Small Business Development
St Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce
SUNY Canton, President
SUNY Canton, Department of Science
SUNY Canton, Early Childhood Education
SUNY Plattsburgh, Computer Science Education
SUNY Plattsburgh, Department of Physics
SUNY Potsdam, President
SUNY Potsdam, School of Education & Professional Studies
SUNY Potsdam, Museum Studies Program
SUNY Potsdam, Department of Theater & Dance
SUNY Potsdam, Crane School of Music
SUNY Potsdam, The Art Museum
The Strand Center for the Arts, Plattsburgh
The Wild Center, Tupper Lake
Thousand Islands Arts Center, Clayton
Village of Potsdam, 2012-2022 Strategic Plan
RAIL Revitalization Project financial partners are not included in the above list. Current as of November 2014.

8. RAIL 8 of 10
ENDORSEMENT │ EXCERPTS
The following written endorsement excerpts demonstrate specific areas of interest, concerns and challenges with level of impact across all
sectors and populations.

Anthony G. Collins, President, Clarkson University, Potsdam NY
“It has been said that great advancements in science occur when creative and critical thinking is enhanced and cultivated thro ugh the arts, hence
STEAM - science, technology, engineering, arts and math - and RAIL programs implement this framework by fusing art + science and STEAM K -12
interactive learning programs with technology driven, art -based platforms that cover a range of disciplines. This comprehensive approach supports
Clarkson’s belief that new technologies, emerging fields and expanding career opportunities require new approaches to learning. With plans in
place to ensure that all children - regardless of accessibility or socio-economic status - are afforded with these experiential experiences, our youth
have an advanced start in building necessary skills for future success and establishing a strong er workforce in our communities”
Alex Harris, Executive Director, Adirondack Lakes Center for the Arts, Blue Mountain Lake NY
“The area that SLC Arts serves borders our service region and we frequently collaborate on a regional level to maximize services . Recently, with
funding from NYSCA, the arts council expanded art funding workshops to webinar format to reach even more artists and arts organizations across
the region. As they add more distance learning programs, our individual programs will grow and complement each other”
David B. Acker, President and CEO, Canton-Potsdam Hospital, Potsdam NY
“With chronic disease prevalent throughout the region and obesity at epidemic status, Canton­Potsdam
Hospital, in collaboration with New York
State Department of Health, local EMTs, local private practitioners and health-focused organizations, works diligently to address these concerns.
RAIL project programs that engage those of all ages in artistic, cultural and physical activities support our efforts to encourage healthy lifestyle
habits and a healthier community. Additionally, the collective programs, along with the high -end living units included in full plans, will increase
our success when recruiting quality providers to the area and filling a critical medical void in the North Country”
Nora Niedzielski-Eichner, Executive Director, New York State Afterschool Network, New York NY
“We anticipate that RAIL will serve as a leader in innovative STEAM education for New York State . NYSAN is excited about the experiential
afterschool and summer programs for children that are planned as a core component of the RAIL project. Experiential learning, particularly in
STEAM, is crucial for bridging educational gaps, especially those increasingly experienced by students living in financially-struggling, rural school
districts which cannot offer sufficient learning opportunities in the arts and hands -on sciences. The internships in the incubator spaces,
employment of youth as junior educators, and other opportunities are an engaging entry point to the workforce for many young people in the
region. The RAIL project will bring a whole new set of experiences and opportunities to students in Potsdam and the surroundi ng region, and the
inclusion of the Virtual Learning Resource Center means that the activities developed and lessons learned can be disseminated even fa rther”

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Addie Russell, NYS Assembly 116th District, Albany NY
“All has been thoughtfully designed to meet the unique needs of our rural population and extends many regional efforts underway”
Brooke Rouse, Executive Director, St Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce, Canton NY
“The hard work and commitment to the North Country shown by the RAIL project mirrors the commitment of the St. Lawrence Count y Chamber of
Commerce and our mission to develop and support businesses by creating a vibrant climate that encourages growth and en hances the unique
quality of life in St. Lawrence County. The resources brought through RAIL will be a unique and much needed centerpiece for overall development”
Frederick J. Hanss, Director, Office of Planning and Development, Village of Potsdam NY
“The adaptive reuse of Old Snell/Congdon is the continuation of Clarkson University’s downtown campus master plan to find new and innovative
uses for vacant campus buildings, many of which are eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Place s. As these building are returned
to useful service, new economic activity follows”
Matthew Draper, Deputy Director, Shipley Center for Innovation, Potsdam NY
“The Shipley Center is personally vested in this project by involvement with the development of innovation sections within the STE(A)M K-12
learning environments as well as a commitment to provide access to the full range of services and resources offered through t he Center to support
innovators and entrepreneurs within the planned incubator spaces. The Center has deployed resources, with Clarkson faculty and students, to
create interactive 3D printing interfaces with programs for children of all ages and to aid artists with commercializing inno vative products to drive
economic development in the Region. Building entrepreneurs one artist, one child and one entrepreneur at a time is a highly effective way to
create economic development success stories, especially in geographically dispersed rural communities once more firmly connec ted by overnight
railway coach to New York City and other east coast cities. The "light rail" of the internet age - fiber optics - is now the solution to integrating
efforts and connecting the far reaching corners of the North Country as one viable participant in sustainable g rowth. RAIL Project programs - with
the collective redevelopment components - will serve as a central and formalized hub to harness the creative human capital in the North Country
and The Shipley Center is fully committed to ensuring the success of this project”
Joseph A. Griffo, NYS Senator 47th District, Albany NY
“A substantial investment in this innovative initiative is sure to deliver life -changing, sustainable results to residents throughout the North Country
region for many year and generations to come”
William L. Fox, President, St Lawrence University, Canton NY
“As president of a liberal arts university, I am well aware of the positive impacts made by stron g cultural institutions and I believe the creation of a
mixed-use venue providing arts and learning experiences in the North Country is long overdue. This project will energize the region's youth with
hands-on learning experiences and it will provide inspiration to further educational pursuits. This comprehensive, revitalization initiative will
promote economic growth and boost interest in the North Country overall. It will strengthen ties for existing residents and a ttract newcomers to
the region. In an area that is often underserved by economic stimulus, this project will provide the boost that is needed”

10. John A. Lancaster, nationally-recognized disability rights advocate, recipient of Purple Heart/Bronze Star 1968, Potsdam NY
“We have all come together to pool personal efforts, facilities and dollars to create truly unique business development and cultural opportunities
for the North Country. As project financial supporters, my wife Christine is particularly interested in the education and development of children,
and thus an enthusiastic supporter of the North Country Children's Museum. And I, as a disabled combat veteran of the Vietnam War, know the
importance of reintegration programs that the project includes for disabled veterans returning from wars in lraq and Afghanistan”
Leslie Rowland, Executive Director, Thousand Islands Arts Center, Clayton NY
“The proposed business center with video conferencing capabilities would benefit individuals, organizations, and businesses i n the Thousand
Islands area and the gallery space for rotating regional exhibitions would provide additional venue opportunities for our artists and organization.
This redevelopment would be an asset to the North Country region”
Jason Hubbard, SLCAC President of the Board, K-12 and university arts educator, Potsdam NY
“The gallery spaces will be integral to arts education and cultural enrichment with interpretative exhibits about the creative processes of different
artistic mediums. Currently, many local non-profits rent arts studio space from SLC Arts for board meetings and rehearsals including the New
Horizons Band and the Wizards of Winter Rock Orchestra. Video conferencing abilities would launch these organizations to a whole new level in
their ability to cultivate community and donor support across a broader region. Additionally, this would increase the frequency of face-to-face
collaborations among our director and other regional arts directors”
April Vasher-Dean, NCCM President of the Board, Director, SUNY Potsdam The Art Museum, Potsdam NY
“NCCM is an institution dedicated to furthering the creative, scientific, and artistic minds of regional children. The Museum, in a ddition to
providing an education experience for the young visitors, will also offer an indoor, cultural opportunity during the win ter months and provide a
much needed venue for year-round learning, arts and entertainment”
Diana Cox, Habilitation Coordinator, North Star Day Programs, Malone NY
“Special Arts programs offered by SLC Arts provide a weekly opportunity for our participants to enjoy hands -on arts and music activities in a social
and safe environment as part of a broader community. We look forward to a renovation of Old Snell which wil l enable SLC Arts to offer increased
services for our participants and other regional participants in the Special Arts for Special Needs classes with the expanded space, restrooms and
elevators providing easier access for those in wheelchairs”
RAIL 10 of 10
To learn more about the RAIL Revitalization Project, please contact Melissa Wagner Telford via wagnermia@aol.com or call 954-801-1260.