CABVI headquarters to undergo $24.5 million renovation

UTICA, N.Y. – The Central Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CABVI) held a ceremonial groundbreaking on Friday, Nov. 15, to kick off a $24.5 million renovation project at its headquarters at 507 Kent St. in Utica, N.Y.

Chairman of CABVI’s Board of Directors, George Nehme, and Dr. Thomas Webb, OD, past chairman of the Board and current chairman of the Building Committee, officially handed over the keys of the building to Greg Benincasa, president of HR Beebe Construction, the contractors for the project. They will begin working on the building next week.

The new facility will transform CABVI operations so the agency can continue to provide crucial services and employment opportunities for the blind and visually impaired community in Central New York, as it has for the past 95 years.

CABVI supports its mission, in part, by employing nearly 60 people with visual impairments throughout its manufacturing and business services departments at its headquarters. This project will allow the agency to enhance these departments and continue to provide quality jobs that allow people with vision loss to maintain a sense of pride and independence.

“The re-imagining of our Kent Street home will complete our 10-year Board-directed strategic plan,” said Ed Welsh, CEO of CABVI. “Way back in 1979 the acquisition of 507 Kent St launched 46 years of continued growth in CABVI’s mission to assist people who are blind or visually impaired to achieve their highest levels of independence. As we approach our 100^th anniversary, the completion of this project will serve as a launch pad for the next 100 years of CABVI’s mission.”

The $24.5 million project at CABVI’s headquarters includes several key improvements aimed at enhancing both manufacturing and call center operations:

• Operational Enhancements:
  • New Equipment: The installation of modern machinery will significantly boost production efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions through sustainable practices.
  • Updated Facilities: The renovation of the existing manufacturing facility, which is over 100 years old, will provide a more conducive work environment for employees.
  • Production Improvements: The new setup will allow CABVI to enhance its manufacturing of various products, including examination gloves and other supplies to major federal clients like the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
  • Upgraded Infrastructure: Enhancements to the call center will improve the management of inbound and outbound calls, increasing overall efficiency.
• Sustainability Enhancements:
  • Roof Improvements: The new roof will have a reflective white membrane and insulation to save energy, along with more than 350 solar panels to decrease the facility’s carbon footprint.
  • Energy Efficiency: The building will have new energy-efficient windows and heating throughout, as well as LED lighting and motion sensors.
  • Green Space: A new green space will be installed on the roof which will provide an accessible outdoor space for employees with guide dogs.

Since sustainability is at the forefront of this project, Empire State Development supported the project’s green initiatives with a $1.6 million capital grant.

Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “New York State is committed to a sustainable future, and this project helps to further the state’s green energy goals, while supporting a more inclusive workforce and greater economic opportunity. By investing in CABVI’s new facilities, ESD is helping to ensure that this regional pillar can continue to provide vital assistance and services for New Yorkers with visual impairments.”

All of the previously mentioned improvements are expected to significantly enhance CABVI’s operational capabilities and service delivery, benefiting both the organization and the community it serves.

The project is expected to be completed in the spring of 2026.