Gossips has been following the plans for the restoration and adaptive reuse of the Crescent Garage at Warren and Eighth streets since they were first presented to the Historic Preservation Commission in September 2022.
Yesterday, work on the project began. To mark the occasion, the following press release was issued:
Today, the groundbreaking ceremony was held to herald the rehabilitation of the long dormant former Crescent Garage on upper Warren Street in Hudson. Thanks in part to a $1.3 million Restore New York grant from Empire State Development, the Crescent Building redevelopment seeks to breathe new life into a historic, vacant building, transforming it into a dynamic hub for creativity, sustainability, and community. Projected opening for the building is 2027.
The 18,000-square-foot building, originally constructed in 1916 as a premier showroom and garage for cars, will undergo a complete adaptive reuse to house an arts space, a film production studio, live-work artist lofts, and a rooftop event space.
Once a symbol of industrial vitality, the Crescent Garage has been vacant for many years, waiting for a vision that could restore its architectural significance and enrich the community. This revitalization project will not only restore the building's original character but will also integrate cutting-edge sustainability practices, making it a model for future historic preservation efforts in the region.
The ownership group which includes Ian Hague of Ancram, NY, Daniel McCabe of Hudson, NY, and Kris Perry, Hudson, NY, who is project manager and design consultant, said, "We're committed to balancing historic preservation with architectural and sustainable building innovation. We hope The Crescent Building redevelopment can serve as a beacon of sustainable development, blending the past with a forward-thinking, environmentally conscious future."
A Vision for Sustainability and Community Impact
The renovation will feature all-electric mechanical and energy generation systems as well as thorough weatherization to create a sustainable site. The building, powered by renewable energy sources, will set an example for how historic buildings can be retrofitted to meet modern sustainability standards. The project has already earned recognition, having been awarded a Restore New York grant in 2023, in partnership with the City of Hudson. Developers are currently working with National Grid to secure additional funding through their Main Street Revitalization Program to help cover critical weatherization and energy systems installations.
A Catalyst for Growth and Creativity
In addition to its environmental contributions, the Crescent Building will be a vital community resource. The project includes 6,500 square feet of office space designed for a film production company.
The 3,000-square-foot event space will become a vibrant venue for community programming, film screening, gallery events, performances, and private gatherings with a projected 100+ events per year. This space will employ local businesses including caterers, photographers, chefs, and artisans, generating new economic opportunities for Hudson's small business community.
A New Home for Artists
The second floor of the Crescent Building will feature three live-work artist lofts, providing housing for local artists and professionals. This addition comes at a crucial time for Hudson which, like many small upstate municipalities, faces a severe housing shortage. By incorporating living spaces into the project, the Crescent Building will contribute to alleviating the community's ongoing housing situation.
A Collaborative Vision for the Future
The Crescent Building will also be part of a growing network of sustainable energy projects in Hudson, including Basilica Hudson, Red Barn Hudson [The Caboose], and Kite's Nest. Together, these projects will form an innovative green energy ring that demonstrates the power of sustainable practices across various sectors from commercial to educational to cultural and community organizations.
"We believe the Crescent Building will help showcase how historic spaces can evolve into thriving sustainable spaces for the future," said Perry, the project's team leader. "We are creating something truly exceptional for Hudson--an anchor for future growth, a space for creativity, and a model for sustainability," said the ownership group of Hague, McCabe and Perry.
About the Crescent Building Project:
The Crescent Building's transformation is spearheaded by a group of local artists and entrepreneurs dedicated to revitalizing Hudson's upper Warren Street corridor. The project seeks to promote balance between culture, education, and creative discourse--fostering a vibrant community space while contributing to a broader economic revitalization of the city. With support from local artists, engineers, and construction professionals the Crescent Building promises to be a cornerstone in Hudson's future--a place where history and innovation intersect.
Parking?
ReplyDeleteLOL
DeleteI'm so glad something is finally being done with the building. People have been talking about it for so long. I wish these guys luck, but have they really thought this out? 100+ events a year? At 52 weeks that means 2 events a week. Hudson has become such a weekend town, that is 100+ events feasible? Again, I wish these guys luck, but are their aspirations too lofty? (Sorry, couldn't resist a good pun.)
ReplyDeleteI used to dream about buying that building and doing something cool with it when it was on the market around 10 years ago and somewhat cheaper.
ReplyDeleteThis looks great and wish them all the best.
Bravo!
ReplyDeleteAs a Hudson native, i heard Crescent Garage duringconversations with my grandparents in
ReplyDeletethe 1950's and 1960's, although I was not aware of its location. I would like to see a history of the owners and uses of this building to enhance Hudson's history. Artifacts, adverting materials, events would be interesting as well as historically valuable.
If I am correct, this bldg may have been an auto dealership. I recall when it was the Big A clothing outlet, perhaps in the 70's. Thank you to anyone who may share my interest.
Becky Siegel
Hi Becky, John Craig at the history room put together a history of the building. The original construction of the Crescent Garage was finished in 1916 and it was a premier auto dealership in the region. In the 60’s it became Lester Pontiac briefly, and you can find a picture of this in the Gibson collection. It then was taken over by Atlantic Knitting Mills or Big A as it was known. Then for a period, a supply house, before becoming Ackermans appliance, which was the last operating business in the building.
DeleteHaving grown up on 8th St from 1956 on I can attest this building did indeed house the "BIG A" in the mid-late 60's- early 70's at a minimum. Can't recall when it closed down. If I am correct it was baby clothes that were made there. My aunt operated a sewing machine on the hot 2 nd floor. During school vacations my brother and I would make coffee, danish and hard roll runs down to the Columbia Diner for the crew. Ecstatic when they let us keep the change !
DeleteThe latest Money Sink ... without parking ...
DeleteThere is a class of curmudgeons hereabouts who raise the issue of "parking" every time someone proposes a new development. As a long-time local resident, I will gladly accept some parking hassles in trade for pulling this city our of the rut it was in after decades of neglect.
ReplyDelete🥳 Long live local artists and entrepreneurs!
ReplyDeleteGood luck, and let's all support the builders and risk-takers who go all in!