Steamboat Landing, Canandaigua NY

Canandaigua’s Lakefront Development master-plan had stalled for years. The city gambled that investing in Lakeshore Drive street improvements and a multi-million dollar upgrade of Kershaw Park would stimulate private investments in new facilities to improve tourism and its commercial tax base. Having recognized the unique appeal of a waterfront attraction, Chrisanntha, Inc. had purchased and operated the “Canandaigua Lady”, a paddlewheel tour boat for dinner cruises and party excursions. Yet, other developments on the waterfront failed to materialize. Taking the initiative, Chrisanntha proposed and developed a lakefront restaurant/ banquet center utilizing the historic theme of a boat-landing from Canandaigua’s steamboat era.

Chrisanntha Inc.’s role in the development of Steamboat Landing included the following:

Purchased lakefront parcel within the City’s Planned Lakefront Development zone
Negotiated easements and access agreements with municipality and neighboring commercial interests.
Undertook environmental and archeological investigations with particular concern for buried hazardous wastes due to the area’s history of having been a filled lakefront site with multiple roadside gas stations.
Selected engineers to address unique site and foundation conditions, bearing on soft fill materials and waterproofing the full basement constructed below water level.
Designed site plan and rezoned the parcel to address public and private parking needs.
After conducting a lake depth survey, secured state easements, permanent dock and cruise routing permits for the Canandaigua Lady paddlewheel boat.
Obtained municipal and utility permits and approvals required to complete the construction project.
Completed a market study verifying the financial feasibiilty for a new 120 seat restaurant with additional patio dining and a 300 seat lakeside conference/banquet facility in Canandaigua.
Selected and hired architect to create an inspiring lakeside destination, reutilizing century old Douglas Fir timbers reclaimed from the Welland Canal lock gates on the Niagara River.
Secured construction and permanent mortgage financing for the project.
Completed construction of public and private parking lots, restaurant, banquet area, kitchen, outdoor dining, and permanent dock on schedule for Steamboat Landing’s early summer opening.
Enlisted private equity investors to create a partnership to own and operate the development.
Obtained NYS Liquor License.
Hired and supervised managers of the daily operations.
This development is a focal point on the city’s lakefront, enabling visitors and local residents alike to enjoy its spectacular view of Canandaigua Lake, and is now the centerpiece for a proposed new 160 room lakefront hotel.
Steamboat Landing was designed and developed by Chrisanntha, Inc. and constructed by Iversen Construction Corp.