The parent company that owns and operates the L.I. Aquarium and Exhibition Center has purchased one of the two vacant houses across from its facility for future development, the company’s executive director said.
The house, located at 428 E. Main St., will be razed and the land used for parking, at least for the near future, L.I. Aquarium and Exhibition Center executive director Bryan DeLuca said in an interview last week.
“Nothing is set in stone, but we’ll probably look to build some retail space and apartments there in the future,” DeLuca said.
DeLuca said downtown Riverhead needs more residential uses. He cited the Village of Patchogue as an example of how residential redevelopment in downtown business districts can boost revitalization efforts.
Another house, located west of the site and adjoining a municipal parking lot, is owned by the same family, but is not presently on the market, according to John Bagshaw of Bagshaw Real Estate. Bashaw was the selling broker in the sale of 428 E. Main from the Kotlarchuck family to the aquarium’s parent company.
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