Orange County Moves to Purchase Historic Woolworth Building in Newburgh

Orange County Moves to Purchase Historic Woolworth Building in Newburgh

Newburgh, N.Y. – The Orange County Legislature has approved the purchase of the former Woolworth building on lower Broadway in the City of Newburgh, where both the county’s Motor Vehicle Office and Health Department branches currently operate. The $600,000 acquisition will transition the county from tenant to owner, allowing long-term investment in the historic property.

From Lease to Ownership

For years, Orange County has leased space in the building— with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) fronting Broadway and the Health Department operating in the rear. Legislators say the purchase makes financial sense, giving the county more control over the facility and eliminating recurring lease costs.

Historic Building to be Preserved

Newburgh Legislator Kevindaryan Lujan welcomed the decision, calling the purchase a positive step toward preserving and revitalizing a key piece of the city’s historic downtown.

“This is a really beautiful historic building that we obviously want to spend to invest, to repair it, to make it better, to make it more accessible,” Lujan said. “I’m really excited about the prospect of seeing that happen finally after so many years.”

The Woolworth building, once part of the iconic national retail chain, has been a landmark on lower Broadway for decades and now serves as a vital government service hub for the city’s residents.

DMV Office Modernization

County Legislature Chairman Kevin Hines noted that the DMV office in Newburgh is currently closed while undergoing modernization efforts. To ensure residents still have access to essential services, the county clerk’s mobile office visits Newburgh every Monday to provide limited DMV operations.

Once renovations are complete, officials expect the upgraded DMV office to reopen with improved efficiency and accessibility.

County Services Beyond Newburgh

While the Newburgh branch is being upgraded, Orange County residents can also access DMV services at the government center in Goshen, as well as at offices in Middletown and Port Jervis. The modernization is part of a broader initiative to update facilities and enhance services across the county.

Looking Ahead

The $600,000 purchase not only secures the county’s presence in Newburgh but also reflects a commitment to revitalizing the city’s lower Broadway area. By investing in the Woolworth building, county officials hope to both preserve a historic structure and ensure convenient, reliable services for residents in the years ahead.

“This investment will benefit residents long-term,” Lujan said, adding that he sees the decision as both practical and symbolic of the county’s dedication to the City of Newburgh.

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