OGDENSBURG -- The old Odd Fellows Hall at Linden Street and state Route 37 has been purchased for development as the site of a new First Student Transportation school bus facility.

The $1,000,000 project will completely re-purpose the 16,000 sq. ft. building, using the existing parking area, according to Michael E. Lundy of Lundy Development and Property Management of Carthage.

First Student has signed a long-term lease arrangement with Lundy Development and will manage busing operations for the Ogdensburg City and Lisbon school districts out of the new centralized location.

“We have had a wonderful relationship with both the Ogdensburg City and Lisbon School Districts for decades, and this new and improved facility will only enhance that relationship and services,” said First Student Area General Manager Dave Kinley in a press release from Lundy. “Its centralized location will enable us to continue to provide safe quality transportation to both districts for many years to come. In addition, we look forward to our continued working relationship with Mike Lundy and Lundy Development, who will give us a great facility to meet all of our needs.”

LUNCO Corporation will begin the re-construction project as soon as the final design is complete. Lundy calls it a “re-construction” project with a Butler Pre-Engineered building.

“We are the Butler Builder for northern New York, and have been for over 50 years, so we understand all aspects and capabilities of Butler pre-engineered structures. We will basically disassemble the building and put it back together in an improved, reconfigured, taller structure that is customized to First Student’s specific needs, as well as meeting today’s current codes,” said Lundy.

The reconfigured building will have office space, three bus inspection bays, and will allow for six bays of indoor bus storage. In addition, approximately 2,000 sq. ft. will be leased out to the Odd Fellows so they may continue to have a meeting and gathering space.

Sarah Purdy, Ogdensburg City Manager, welcomed the project. “We are excited to see the property put to such a good use, not only in helping the students and their transportation, but in the entire business aspect it brings to the Odgensburg community. The positive investment it makes long-term with the employment in our community is wonderful and we will work cooperatively to make it a success,” Purdy said in a prepared statement.

In a prepared statement, City Code Enforcement Officer Gregg Mallette said, “I had the pleasure of working with Mr. Lundy and his team on the Center for Sight renovations a few years ago on Ford Street, and it went smoothly and came out beautiful. It is a real asset to our City. I look forward to working with Mike and his Group on this project for the same results.”

The Independent Order of Odd Fellows Community Hall sits on about four acres of land, including a large paved parking area. The structure was built in 1976, when there were upwards of 100 active members of the fraternal organization.

According to Odd Fellows Trustee Joseph Franche, who joined the group 35 years ago, the number of active members has steadily declined. “With the declining membership we were no longer able to hold our main fundraiser and source of income – Bingo. It became necessary to put the building up for sale. Although it is bitter sweet to see the building being sold, it is great to see how it will be used for the students and their transportation, and the employment it brings to the community,” Franche said in a prepared statement.