UTICA, N.Y. — The Central Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired will hold a ceremonial groundbreaking on Friday, Nov. 15 at 10 a.m., ahead of its $24.5 million renovation project to enhance its headquarters on Kent Street in Utica.
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.
CABVI supports its mission, in part, by employing nearly 60 people with visual impairments throughout its manufacturing and business services divisions at its headquarters. This project will allow the agency to expand these divisions and continue to provide quality jobs that allow people with vision loss to maintain a sense of pride and independence.
Sustainability is also at the forefront of this project. The new facility will include more than 350 solar panels, LED lights, a reflective roof and energy-efficient windows and heating. Empire State Development has awarded CABVI a $1.6 million capital grant to support the project’s sustainability elements.
The project is expected to be completed in the spring of 2026.
