With the proposed Thousand Islands Convention Center project abandoned, attention is turning to the possibility of transforming Salmon Run Mall into a multi-purpose convention and recreation complex serving the entire St. Lawrence Valley region.
WATERTOWN, N.Y. — With the proposed Thousand Islands Convention Center on Outer Arsenal Street now shelved, the question for the North Country is simple: what comes next?
The project, which had been planned behind a cluster of commercial businesses along the highway corridor, has effectively been abandoned. The site — tucked off the road and surrounded by tractor dealerships and industrial-style retail — never convinced many residents it was the right setting for a destination convention facility.
Now that the proposal has been pulled and the land is expected to revert to the developer, attention is shifting toward a far more obvious candidate already sitting in plain sight: Salmon Run Mall.
A Ready-Made Convention Facility
Built in the late 1980s, the mall was designed around large anchor spaces, high ceilings and expansive indoor corridors — the same architectural ingredients used in many modern convention centers.
Instead of constructing a new facility from scratch, the structure already offers hundreds of thousands of square feet of climate-controlled space, extensive parking and direct highway access from Interstate 81.
In practical terms, the transformation could be straightforward.
Former anchor spaces could be converted into exhibition halls.
Interior corridors could host vendor booths and trade show exhibits.
Existing restaurant spaces could expand into a larger dining and hospitality district.
The infrastructure already exists. What’s missing is a new purpose.
A Multi-Purpose Destination
A modern regional convention center would likely be far more than a traditional meeting hall.
Concepts being discussed locally include a multi-purpose complex combining:
- Large convention and exhibition halls
- Restaurants and entertainment venues
- Family attractions and indoor recreation areas
- Event stages and performance spaces
One idea gaining attention would be the addition of privately funded aquatic facilities — tropical-style pools, wave pools and lazy rivers — designed to turn the site into a year-round indoor resort attraction.
Facilities like these are increasingly common in convention complexes across the country, providing entertainment for families while conferences and trade events take place.
The concept would allow parents attending events to bring their children, creating a hybrid destination that blends business tourism with family recreation.
Connecting the Hotels
Another proposal would physically link the mall area with nearby lodging.
A pedestrian viaduct over Interstate 81 could potentially connect Salmon Run Mall to Stateway Plaza, creating a continuous hospitality corridor between the convention center and existing hotels — and leaving room for additional hotel development in the future.
Such connectivity is common in larger convention cities, where walkable access between hotels and event venues is considered essential.
A Strategic Location
Watertown’s geographic position may be one of the region’s most underappreciated advantages.
The city sits within driving distance of three major metropolitan centers:
- Toronto
- Montreal
- New York City
Together those markets represent tens of millions of people.
Watertown is also just minutes from the Thousand Islands border crossing and sits at the gateway to one of the most visited tourism regions in the Northeast.
For Canadian visitors especially, the North Country is already a familiar destination for shopping, recreation and summer travel. Despite occasional political tensions, cross-border tourism remains strong, and the proximity of Ontario and Quebec markets could support major regional events.
Regional Impact
Convention centers operate differently from retail malls.
Instead of relying on everyday shoppers, they schedule major events that draw thousands of visitors at a time. Those visitors fill hotel rooms, restaurants, gas stations and local attractions.
A successful facility could host:
- trade expos
- agricultural shows
- defense and security conferences
- cross-border business summits
- tourism and outdoor recreation events
Each event generates spending throughout the region.
In that sense, the potential impact would extend far beyond the property itself, benefiting the broader St. Lawrence Valley economy.
An Opportunity Already Built
With the Thousand Islands Convention Center proposal no longer moving forward, the region faces a choice.
It can start over with another expensive construction proposal — or recognize that a massive indoor complex with parking, highway access and commercial infrastructure already exists.
For some observers, the answer is obvious.
Watertown may already have its convention center.
It’s called Salmon Run Mall.
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