Friday, December 12, 2014

Food, Glorious Food

So far Hudson, still apparently classified by the U.S. Department of Agriculture as a "food desert," has two sources of cheese and provisions, two artisanal bakeries, two farmers' markets (one of which continues almost all year 'round), a cafe that is also a market, a shop that sells tea and chocolate, a shop that sells sauerkraut made from lacto-fermented vegetables, and a shop that specializes in gourmet oils and vinegars. By this time next year, Hudson should have another source of provisions--Hudson Anchor Market, at 758 Warren Street, in Hudson's East End. 

The project whose site plan review by the Planning Board has been stalled by inclement weather and canceled meetings, came before the Historic Preservation Commission this morning. The building, which most recently was the location of Ackerman's Appliance, was built about a hundred years ago to be the Hudson Crescent Garage, which sold and serviced Packards and other fine motorcars.
Evelyn and Robert Monthie Slide Collection, Columbia County Historical Society
The most dramatic change proposed for the exterior of the building is a change in orientation. The main entrance to the building will be on the Eighth Street side rather than the Warren Street side. The existing door on Warren Street will become a service door for the kitchen of the restaurant that will be in the building, along with a coffee bar, a juice bar, local farm produce vendors, a butcher, a baker, and maybe even a candlestick maker. There will be two elevators and a main staircase, and the plans include using both floors and eventually also the cellar for retail space. What is planned for the building was compared with the Chelsea Market.


Hidden by the awning currently on the building is this handsome leaded glass frieze, found also on other buildings in Hudson. The leaded glass will be restored, along with all the original industrial windows in the building.


Hudson Anchor Market is expected to be open in nine to eleven months. The five members of the Historic Preservation Commission present at today's meeting--Rick Rector, Peggy Polenberg, David Voorhees, Phil Forman, and Miranda Barry--voted unanimously to have counsel prepare a certificate of appropriateness for the project.
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8 comments:

  1. Virginia MartinDecember 13, 2014 at 8:27 AM

    Fabulous news. Not a flashy building, but a handsome one, solid and well-constructed with good lines. And another in-town choice for food. Packards then; packing groceries soon.

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  2. michael lesawyerDecember 13, 2014 at 10:16 AM

    it would be great if deliveries were made by silent helicopter but this is 20l4 and not 30l4. of course they had to move the main door, 8th st. can't handle the tractor trailers which will now be double parked on Warren engines idling. does a desire for produce on Allen St. outweigh the rights of people who live on upper Warren?

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  3. Jeffrey PerryDecember 13, 2014 at 4:31 PM

    Excellent. Walking to the grocery store. Such a great addition.

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  4. signifierDecember 13, 2014 at 4:42 PM

    I look forward to the opening of this market. But the parking on 8th Street is already a nightmare, particularly in the winter. If the intention is to provide customer parking there, there will be problems. Its time to look at the social security parking lot. Its practically empty, except on weekends when it is empty.

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    Replies
    1. Steve DunnDecember 15, 2014 at 6:15 AM

      That is precisely the issue that I noticed when I checked out the site the day before yesterday - the lack of parking. And I too wondered if an arrangement had been made to use the social security building parking lot. I certainly hope that is the case, and it is something that the Planning Commission should certainly address in my view when it reviews this proposed project.

      Delete
    2. Alchemy HomeDecember 15, 2014 at 11:30 AM

      This comment has been removed by the author.

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