Dutchess County-based DES Development plans to construct Highland Square, 160,000 square feet of commercial space on a 22-acre site in the Ulster County town of Highland.
Partners Fred Straub and Michael Barnett are currently developing 216 units of 55-and-older, active-lifestyle condominium apartments on Vineyard Avenue in Highland. Now, they”™re preparing for their next venture, Highland Square, at the intersection of Routes 9W and 299.
“We saw a need in Highland for additional retail development and feel the intersection is well-suited for what we have planned,” Barnet said.
“The initial response to our proposal and design from the town has been overwhelmingly positive and we are proceeding diligently to complete the approval process,” said Straub. They have retained Liscum McCormack Vanvoorhis (LMV) of Poughkeepsie as architects and planners and Dagar Group Ltd. of Fishkill to lease the project.
Michael McCormack a principal with LMV said the architecture at Highland Square evokes “the aura of the Hudson Valley style in element and form. All in all, the Highland Square design will not only complement the region, but emphasize the importance of the region”™s architecture through example.”
David Livshin, president and CEO of Dagar Group Ltd., said  interest in the location even at this early stage has been strong.  “Initial plans call for an anchor store and five separate buildings, which will be leased to retail shops, restaurants and offices,” he said. “The average space will be 60-feet deep with frontage starting at 20 feet. We are already in discussion with a number of retailers interested in the location, which they view as strategic.”
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