Demolition Begins At Watertown's Former Mercy Hospital

It has been a long time coming, but demolition crews have finally begun demolishing the former Mercy Hospital in Watertown.

Before crews began razing the building, Lieutenant Governor Robert Duffy and other local leaders spoke during a ceremony.

"It's going to be done right. It's going to be done well. It's going to be a great asset for Watertown," said Duffy.

The demolition marks the start of the official start of the $65 million Mercy Hospital redevelopment project.

COR Development plans to build 168 apartments, offices and shops on the site.

"There's always a need for new space and we've had quite a lot of interest," said Steven Aiello of COR Development.

The company is receiving state money for the project.

It's expected to create an estimated 400 new jobs and more than 650 construction jobs, as well as help meet critical housing requirements for Fort Drum personnel.

The first phase of the project, which is a priority of the North Country Regional Economic Development Council, includes demolition of 377,000 square feet of the former hospital and nursing home that has been vacant in downtown Watertown since 2013.

"It fits exactly into the strategic plan that the people of this region have developed," said Tony Collins, co-chair of the council.

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Demolition Begins At Watertown's Former Mercy Hospital