Potential Developers, Proposals Wanted for Vacant Southport Correctional Facility

SOUTHPORT, N.Y. (WENY) -- The Chemung County Industrial Development Agency (CCIDA) is seeking proposals for the potential development of the former Southport Correctional Facility site.

The former New York State prison closed in March 2022, along with five other prisons across the state. Since then, the site has been marketed for potential development, but has otherwise sat vacant. 

There are 43 buildings on the property, totaling 430,000 square feet. Most of the buildings on the property were built in 1988, the year the prison opened. Others were built in 1997 and 2008. When the prison's closure was announced, it employed 283 corrections officers, and 19 sergeants. According to DOCCS in November 2021, those positions would not be eliminated, but rather transferred to other facilities in the state prison system.

At present time, the Chemung County Industrial Development Agency is seeking potential real estate developers, business and community stakeholders to submit a Request for Expressions of Interest (RFEI) for the 408 acre property. Interested investors are invited to an optional site visit on September 25th, but must register by September 23rd.

Those who are interested can use this link to complete the form. All public documents about the property can be found here. The deadline for questions are due by 5 pm on October 4th. All submissions are due by 5 pm on October 16th. 

The former Southport Correctional Facility is currently owned by New York State, but the CCIDA is trying to buy the facility to open the door for redevelopment, according to a Request for Expressions of Interest document issued by the development organization.

In September 2023, the IDA discussed the possibility of the prison being demolished, and was expecting an estimate for a partial or total demolition. No decision was made regarding the demolition of the property.

The CCIDA says any potential investor should submit their rehab proposal to Tracy Verrier, at [email protected]. 

  New York State Prison Redevelopment Commission