Does Size Matter?

It’s a question that is so often taken out of context. Does size matter?

More times than not the response is – No. However, the response in Clayton over the last month or so seems to be – Yes. 

The village, town and local development corporation have been vigorously working over the past few years to find a way to utilize the space left from the former Frink America property. Last month, developers made a presentation unveiling a proposed ultimate destination resort for the Clayton community. An estimated price tag between $30 and $40 million would help to erect a year-round tourist lodge and bring a much needed boost to the business community.

For years people have questioned where to stay when coming to the Islands and many visitors have been forced to travel outside of Clayton for accommodations. Nearby Alexandria Bay, a very tourist driven community, has tended to steal away overnight visitors thanks to the community’s surplus of rooms and the closeness of those rooms to the river.

The construction of a new resort hotel in Clayton could soon change the dynamics in 1000 Islands tourism.

“We think of it as a high-end destination hotel. Our goal is to bring people to Clayton and the Thousand Islands region,” developer Paul Neureuter recently told the Watertown Daily Times. “There’s culture here: the Opera House, the Antique Boat Museum. There’s a style ambience to Clayton that doesn’t exist elsewhere in the Thousand Islands region. And we think that the kind of facility we’re envisioning would compliment that, and will be aided by that culture and that civility.”

But how big of a high-end destination is what some want to know.

Neureuter and his team have suggested building a five-story structure with anywhere from 120-140 rooms, two restaurants, two bars, conference rooms and an indoor pool. In comparison, the resort would likely be one-story taller than the Clayton Opera House or two-stories taller than most other buildings along Riverside Drive. The primary goal of the facility would be to draw visitors to Clayton for conferences, weddings and casual dining opportunities. With a destination resort just a few feet from the river’s edge and a short walk down Riverside Drive to the business district, the possibilities of success seem endless.

Clayton is known for its quaint, small town feel, while bringing in big acts, such as Big Bad VooDoo Daddy or comedian Billy Gardell at the Opera House or strongly attended events like Sailing Seaway Clayton or the Classic Street Meet. These types of draws to the community could become better served with a destination hotel.

However, the focus of some over the past few weeks hasn’t been about how much growth and success could be brought to Clayton, but rather concern from a number of residents and business owners who believe that the size of the proposed resort is too big.

Some area residents have voiced their concerns during various public meetings and in letters to the editor claiming that a hotel of the proposed size is far too big for the community to handle.

Some have also felt that simply a hotel on the property is a poor choice for revitalizing the area. The thoughts of shops, stand-alone restaurants and even housing had been discussed over the past few years, however no developer had come to the plate with such a vision.

Others have felt that the hotel will be a nice addition to the community, but the amount of parking that will be created is unnecessary, despite the fact that the property has been nothing more than an open field used for free public parking for some time now.

“I think just about everybody is for the hotel or at least a hotel,” explained Jonathan Taylor, a Clayton resident who has been one of the more vocal advocates on the subject. Taylor and his wife feel strongly about the overall presentation hotel and its potential size. “What they proposed doesn’t fit the character of Clayton; they didn’t hit the mark with it. I think the mixed-use (individual buildings and restaurants) concept was a better plan, a better solution.”

More than a century ago, large hotels dotted the islands region, especially near Clayton, and were the draw for visitors. The 3 to 5-story architectural masterpieces were a sight to see, though today they can only be seen in pictures, as most were destroyed well before our time. The Frontenac, which helped to make Clayton a glamorous destination, was enormous and filled by travelers with deep pockets. “Back then it was the pre-income tax-era and Clayton was the Hamptons of upstate New York. Train lines brought people in for months at a time. I would love to see a large hotel full here all the time,” said Taylor in regards to the possibilities of a modern day Frontenac-like hotel. “That could be great.”

Taylor’s agreement on the old time look is also favorable. “Large wrap around porches with towers looked better than the proposed. Tweak it a little bit,” he said. However, the current drawings display something a bit further from those old time buildings and the possible inspiration for changes to the hotel are within reach.

“If we can get to around 80-100 rooms and change it up some, then I think we are in the right direction.”

With a meeting taking place later this week being hosted by the Clayton Land Development Corporation, folks will have ample opportunity to voice their thoughts and concerns before officials determine the direction they wish to take.

“CLDC has done a very good job with accepting comments on their website and making the public better aware moving forward,” said Taylor. Now that the initial plan is on the table and up for discussion, it is more likely that the concern of some residents will subside and construction could begin by next fall.

“Nothing is set in stone just yet,” said Clayton Mayor Norma Zimmer. And while its not set in stone, it is surely sign that Clayton is on the horizon of greatness, but it may take a few more tweaks and strong voices from those who call Clayton their home.

By Michael Folsom

Michael Folsom is a regular contributor to TI Life.   His work has been featured in the Thousand Islands Sun, as well as on boatnerd.com and northcountrynow.com. Mike was also the organizer for Sailing Seaway Clayton [Coming to Clayton... in June]. He also covers the Seaway News on his popular web site, http://www.theshipwatcher.com/, as well as a twitter site: http://twitter.com/theshipwatcher.  His twitters were useful this fall when the St. Lawrence Seaway was threatened by a strike, as he was able to bring up-to-date news to the River community.  He also notified us on November 8th, 2011 when the ship Chestnut lost its steering in the American Narrows.  Michael will keep us informed about the Frink Hotel in future issues of TI Life.