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Schenectady, N.Y., August 14, 2024 – The Board of Directors of Ellis Medicine has approved the sale of the former St. Clare’s Hospital Campus to a development team headed by Jeff Buell and Chris Spraragen. Jeff Buell is well-known for making major economic development projects a reality across the Capital Region. Chris Spraragen owns and operates a development company and one of the largest electrical contracting businesses in the area, Schenectady Hardware and Electric, which recently celebrated its 100th anniversary.
“Schenectady County’s unified economic development team has been diligently working behind the scenes to create a proactive and dynamic plan for this nearly 17-acre site, aiming to turn this underutilized area into a valuable community asset,” said Gary Hughes, Chair of the Schenectady County Legislature. “Located conveniently near Central Park and the Eastern Parkway Market 32, this site is ideal for housing that appeals to both downsizing seniors and young professionals. With experienced developers like Jeff and Chris working with our exceptional Metroplex team, we are confident that this campus has a bright future ahead.”
Schenectady Mayor Gary McCarthy said, “I join the County in this effort to honor the great legacy of St. Clare’s while we chart a future course that eventually ties this property into the Eastern Avenue and McClellan Street neighborhoods as well as our beautiful Central Park.”
“We commend Ellis for its stewardship of this campus,” Jeff Buell said. “While we are not blind to the enormous challenge of converting an aging hospital building into a new vibrant use, we have spent the past year looking at this building and at this campus and we see the great potential here. We are excited to move forward with a community-first mindset and understand the very real mantle we are placing on our shoulders.”
Chris Spraragen and his development partner Brooke Spraragen said, “We have a longstanding relationship with Ellis and value immensely their confidence in us. We grew up here and are loyal to our hometown. We take pride in being a city stakeholder and understand that for our community to thrive, active and meaningful participation is essential. This location must be rejuvenated for the betterment of Schenectady, and we intend to redevelop the property for the benefit of the surrounding neighborhoods.”
Ellis Medicine will continue to operate the Belanger School of Nursing at the rear of the site adjoining Central Park. Two medical office buildings at the campus will also remain under current ownership and will continue to serve patients.
“The McClellan campus has been instrumental in our organization’s history, and we are thrilled that our Belanger School of Nursing will remain there so we can continue to provide educational and career opportunities to hundreds in our community,” said Paul Milton, Ellis Medicine’s President and CEO. “At the same time, we are excited to work with our partners at Schenectady County, Metroplex and Jeff and Chris’ team to ensure that this property remains an economic benefit for our community.”
The development team plans to seek historic preservation status for the main hospital building. Additional greenspace is planned as well as trails to connect the revitalized campus to the adjoining grocery store and park.
“As we rebuild this campus, we start with a strong foundation of two medical buildings and a nursing school that keep strong, positive activity going at the site while the main building is converted for new use and we connect the site to Central Park and nearby grocery store,” said Ray Gillen Metroplex Chair. “We thank Jeff and Chris for their vision, their expertise and their investment.”
The sale is expected to close within the next few months. The development team will be conducting outreach about their plans with the community and will seek required local and state approvals for the project during this timeframe.