Downtown Owego Buildings Back on the Market

An Owego business won't be moving forward with a plan to create what was billed as an "immersive confectionery experience."

Stephen and Kimberly Cruty had hoped to transform two buildings on Front Street in the village into a special destination.

They operate Fuddy Duddy's Confectionery at 27 Lake Street in Owego. Their goal was to develop an expanded operation nearby at 178-180 Front Street.

The buildings and two adjacent parcels near the Court Street Bridge were acquired in July 2022.

The proposed project received a boost when it appeared $1.8 million in state funding that had been approved for Tioga County could be used to make it a reality.

The expansion plan ultimately was scrapped after the owners encountered a series of hurdles. Representatives of Fuddy Duddy's could not be reached for comment Monday.

A sign advertises the availability of property on Front Street in Owego. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)

The two buildings and the adjacent lane now are back on the market for $949,000.

The site has been unused since the Hand of Man store closed in early 2020 when the owners retired.

The property was acquired by Adam Weitsman, who said he planned to develop a sushi restaurant at the site. He changed his mind and eventually sold the site.