The Hive Gets Poughkeepsie Buzzing
A looming brick building sitting vacant in downtown Poughkeepsie will soon be buzzing with activity. A $2 million dollar grant was awarded to the City of Poughkeepsie to develop the vacant space that spans 33–35 Academy St.
The project, headed by MASS Design Group and R. L. Baxter Building Corporation, has been dubbed “The Hive.”
The Hive plans to house 50 new apartments, 5,000 square feet of co-working space, and a 25,000 square feet food hall. The food hall will contain a small fresh market, multiple food vendors, a community kitchen, a microbrewery, a coffee shop, and event space. The variety of services allows The Hive to be a one-stop shop while making downtown Poughkeepsie more walkable.
The approval of The Hive is just one step in The Regional Economic Development Council (REDC) mission to “foster an innovative downtown by supporting existing shops and residents, encourage new housing and businesses to activate our vacant spaces, and improve the public realm and pedestrian connections.”
In a press release from the City of Poughkeepsie, Mayor Rob Rolison wrote, “These latest grant awards demonstrate that New York State recognizes the upward trajectory of the City of Poughkeepsie.”
The food hall aims to support local farmers, be a vibrant and inclusive hub of food activity, and increase access to healthy food for the citizens of Poughkeepsie.
Erik Ukaj, owner of Bronx Pie located next door to The Hive, is excited for what the project will do for the city rather than worried about the competition it poses. “That building is going to look so beautiful when they’re done,” Ukaj mused.
Sean Lysh, an employee at a nearby coffee shop agrees with Ukaj, and predicts The Hive will attract the attention of young people. “This Hive project sounds like it could be a cool place for young people to hang out, especially with all the colleges in the area.”
Ukaj later revealed the owner of The Hive purchased the whole block, making him Ukaj’s new landlord. “If he doesn’t want my space, then I can stay, but I don’t know yet.” Ukaj has started looking for potential locations to move his business to.
Regardless, Ukaj remains supportive of The Hive. “I’m raising my family in Poughkeepsie, and I want the town to be the best it can be for my kids.”
In total, the renovation is expected to cost $10 million dollars, and be completed in 2020.
