New Distillery a Welcome Addition to the Growing Craft Beverage and Hospitality Economy in the Mid-Hudson Region
Empire State Development today announced the completion of the first phase of The Star Estate Development Group DBA Hudson House & Distillery (Hudson House and Distillery), a small-batch distillery and event venue located at the former 27-acre Christian Brothers monastery in West Park, in the Town of Esopus, Ulster County. The first phase of the project involved significant site improvements and infrastructure upgrades to establish a craft distillery, tasting room, event space and catering kitchen with a 4,500 square foot outdoor deck to allow for more social distancing due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The company invested $1.8 million to purchase and rehabilitate two existing buildings on site. This project will allow Hudson House & Distillery to source its ingredients from local farms and businesses which will greatly reduce its carbon footprint and transportation costs. The Mid-Hudson Regional Economic Development Council supported this project by recommending an Empire State Development Capital Grant of $212,400. This project will also create eight new jobs.
Empire State Development Chief Operating Officer and Executive Deputy Commissioner Kevin Younis said, “The Mid-Hudson Region is known for its abundance of natural resources, its beauty and its history. The Hudson House & Distillery capitalizes on these assets and has created an exceptional destination spot for both Mid-Hudson residents and visitors.”
Charles Ferri, Chief Executive Officer at The Hudson House & Distillery said, “This project is a true testament of public, private and environmental sectors working together to achieve something incredible; a waterfront destination distillery. Without the tireless assistance from Empire State Development, Ulster County and the Town of Esopus, this one of a kind project would not have been possible. We are incredibly thankful to all that have supported this project and will do our utmost to make the region proud by producing high quality spirits and products for all to enjoy!”
SUNY New Paltz President and Mid-Hudson REDC Co-Chair Donald P. Christian said, “The investment in Hudson House & Distillery has transformed this historic property into a vibrant and unique destination that the community will benefit from and attract visitors and residents alike. With the company’s expectations to serve an estimated 30,000-40,000 visitors per year, the MHREDC is pleased to support this regionally impactful economic development project.’
Senator Michelle Hinchey, Chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee said, “New York proudly maintains its position as the second-largest craft distillery stakeholder in the country. Continuing this growth trajectory means bolstering state support for truly unique businesses like Hudson House that are not only paving the way for farm distilleries but driving local job creation, forging strong partnerships with upstate farmers and food producers, preserving our historic architecture, and raising the profile of our rural communities in the process. I want to congratulate Hudson House & Distillery on completing phase one of its renovation project and thank ESD for awarding this Ulster County business with a generous state grant.”
Assemblyman Kevin Cahill said, “Hudson House Distillery connects the ingredients that make the Hudson Valley special. Utilizing our local farms as a resource, employing members of our community and renovating an historic property into something everyone can enjoy is an achievement that should be celebrated. I am proud to join Ulster County Tourism and Empire State Development in our support in our Hudson Valley small businesses.”
Ulster County Executive Patrick K. Ryan said, “I am proud to welcome Hudson House and Distillery to Ulster County. This new venue will be a draw to the region which will bring new visitors to the area, helping local farms and businesses in the process. It is businesses like Hudson House and Distillery that truly make the Mid-Hudson Region a great place to visit, live and work.”
Town of Esopus Supervisor Jared Geuss said, “The Town of Esopus is excited to be the home of Hudson House & Craft Distillery. This important establishment helps fulfill our Comprehensive Plan community vision. It is a welcome addition to the 9W corridor where visitors and residents alike can now enjoy world-class spirits, farm-to-table foods and seasonal attractions alongside the natural beauty of the Hudson River. We appreciate Ulster County and the Regional Economic Development Council for prioritizing and supporting this economic boost to the benefit of our residents and local businesses.”
About Empire State Development
Empire State Development (ESD) is New York’s chief economic development agency. The mission of ESD is to promote a vigorous and growing economy, encourage the creation of new job and economic opportunities, increase revenues to the State and its municipalities, and achieve stable and diversified local economies. Through the use of loans, grants, tax credits and other forms of financial assistance, ESD strives to enhance private business investment and growth to spur job creation and support prosperous communities across New York State. ESD is also the primary administrative agency overseeing Governor Hochul’s Regional Economic Development Councils and the marketing of “I LOVE NY” the State’s iconic tourism brand. For more information on Regional Councils and Empire State Development, visit www.regionalcouncils.ny.gov and www.esd.ny.gov.
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