Restore NY Project rehabilitated a long-vacant, blighted historic structure that now also includes Tug Hill Artisan Roasters and short-term rentals
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Empire State Development today announced the café opening of Saint Drogo’s Coffee & Bakehouse in the Village of Lowville, marking an exciting new chapter for Tug Hill Artisan Roasters and a continued investment in downtown revitalization. The $1.35 million project also included restoration of the long-vacant and blighted 7,262- square-foot Lewis County Jail and Sherriff’s Residence to create mixed-use commercial and residential space, including a new home for Tug Hill Artisan Roasters and short-term rental apartments. ESD provided $900,000 in Restore NY Communities Initiative funding toward this project. The project also received $188,000 from the New York Main Street Program administered by New York State Homes and Community Renewal, to support building preservation and stabilization prior to the start of the full restoration project.
“We’re thrilled to open our doors in Lowville and share this space with our community,” said Tug Hill Artisan Roasters Owner Scott Gilbert. “This project has been a true labor of love, and we’re incredibly grateful for the funding support and many local partners who helped bring it to life.”
“The revitalization of the Old Lewis County Jail and Sheriff’s Residence contributes to commercial development and activity in Lowville by taking a vacant space and turning it into a destination for both residents and visitors,” said Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight. “Restore New York is a pillar of Governor Hochul’s community revitalization efforts and projects like this restore blighted buildings while promoting new housing, vibrant neighborhoods and economic opportunity.”
“The transformation of the historic Lewis County Jail and Sheriff’s Residence into a vibrant mixed-use space is a testament to the power of strategic investment in our communities,” said New York State Housing Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas. “Through the New York Main Street Program, HCR is proud to support the preservation and stabilization of this iconic building, which now houses Saint Drogo’s Coffee & Bakehouse, Tug Hill Artisan Roasters, and unique short-term rentals. This project not only revitalizes a once-blighted property but also strengthens Lowville’s downtown, fostering economic growth and community pride.”
The Village of Lowville’s 2022 Joint Comprehensive Plan outlines the municipality’s goal to prioritize the redevelopment of existing sites over new construction. Lowville has also identified the need to promote and encourage partnerships that accelerate economic development. In alignment with these goals, Lowville looked to revitalize the Old Lewis County Jail and sheriff’s residence at 7514 South State Street. The original 1864 structure, despite a 1931 renovation, had become deteriorated, blighted, and eventually abandoned.
Tug Hill Artisan Roasters owners Vanessa and Scott Gilbert started their coffee roastery business in 2017 at their home. The couple had worked for years to grow their business visibility and brand, expand their markets, and create new jobs. In 2021, Tug Hill took the next step in its business growth by purchasing the vacant Lewis County jail building in Lowville’s historic downtown, with a plan to restore the site as its first brick-and-mortar location. In January 2023, under Round 7 of the Restore New York Communities Initiative program, the village applied for funding assistance to help bridge a gap in the jail restoration project; $900,000 was awarded in June 2023. The Village of Lowville is also the Round 7 winner of the $10 million NYS Downtown Revitalization Initiative award.
Village of Lowville Mayor Danny Salmon said, “Anything that helps to enhance economic development in downtown Lowville is welcome. Tug Hill Artisan Roasters will have exciting things happening in the newly restored building.”
By rehabilitating a vacant, blighted building in the heart of Lowville, the new Tug Hill space offers multiple benefits for the village, including increasing food production and distribution channels; growing tourism to Lowville by providing a unique, new dining experience; assisting with entrepreneurship and new small business growth; and creating new jobs.
Restore NY funding was used to renovate the parking area and driveway (approximately 12,000 square feet), complete landscaping and create an outdoor patio for dining capabilities, reconstruct the original wraparound porch (as requested by the New York State Historic Preservation Office) and complete the final building renovations to support the Tug Hill Artisan Roasters storefront, and local goods incubator. In addition, the newly renovated building features two short-term rental apartments located in the former jail calls upstairs, offering guests a one-of-a-kind stay steeped in history.
The Restore New York Communities Initiative provides municipalities with financial assistance for the revitalization of commercial and residential properties. The program encourages community development and neighborhood growth through the elimination and redevelopment of blighted structures. The program is administered by ESD.
New York Main Street provides grant funding for building rehabilitation projects in downtowns and mixed-use neighborhoods. The program is administered by New York State Homes and Community Renewal.
About Saint Drogo’s Coffee & Bakehouse
The bakehouse specializes in European-style laminated dough pastries, including croissants, pain au chocolat, and other artisan baked goods that set it apart from traditional cafes. This expansion reflects the company’s broader mission to elevate the region’s food and beverage scene through craft, quality, and community. For more information, visit www.tughillartisanroasters.com.
About Empire State Development
ESD is New York’s chief economic development agency, and promotes business growth, job creation, and greater economic opportunity throughout the state. With offices in each of the state’s 10 regions, ESD oversees the Regional Economic Development Councils, supports broadband equity through the ConnectALL office, and is growing the workforce of tomorrow through the Office of Strategic Workforce Development. The agency engages with emerging and next generation industries like clean energy and semiconductor manufacturing looking to grow in New York State, operates a network of assistance centers to help small businesses grow and succeed, and promotes the state's world class tourism destinations through ILOVENY. For more information, please visit ESD’s website here, and connect with ESD on LinkedIn, Facebook and X, formerly known as Twitter.
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