Hudson River Brewhouse Project is Latest Renovation in Revitalization of Hudson Falls Downtown

National Grid Supported Developer with Main Street Grant

Hudson Falls, NY – This afternoon, business and civic leaders came together to raise their cups to celebrate the soft opening of the Hudson River Brewhouse, a coffee shop and tap room that showcases local wine, beer, and cider --  the latest renovation in the revitalization of downtown Hudson Falls.

The Hudson River Brewhouse project returns a historic building back into productive use, creates opportunities for new jobs, and contributes to the renewal of the downtown area.

“I am looking forward to this new business opening in the village and bringing more people to the downtown business district,” said Hudson Falls Mayor John Barton.  “We appreciate all of the support that National Grid has given to help this project come to fruition.”

The building at 171 Main Street was the first bank in the village, the former Commercial National Bank of Sandy Hill, chartered in 1906. The bank’s name changed to Hudson Falls National Bank in 1910. During its history, six different types and denominations of national currency were printed on site. The building had been vacant since 2012.

“I am always excited to see old main street buildings and storefronts revitalized and reimagined in our Upstate communities,” said Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner. “I want to congratulate Drake Hewitt and Bill Nikas on the completion of this project and thank them for bringing new business to Hudson Falls.”

Bill Nikas, developer, and Drake Hewitt, Brewhouse owner, renovated the vacant building at 171 Main Street for commercial end use with the assistance of a $25,000 Main Street grant from National Grid. The grant offset costs of HVAC equipment and installation, electrical upgrade, building systems, and structural issues.

"It is wonderful to have National Grid partnering with a local developer to transform a vacant property, which no doubt will lead to even more investment in this community," said Senator Betty Little.

“National Grid’s commitment to economic development helps create vibrant, healthy, and resilient communities throughout Upstate New York” said Laurie Poltynski, National Grid regional director.   “We are proud to support revitalization efforts in Hudson Falls, and look forward to continuing our work here as well as in other communities through National Grid’s Main Street/Commercial District Revitalization program.”

National Grid's upstate New York service territory includes a substantial number of small to medium sized urban centers and main street corridors that possess unrealized potential and are located where the utility often has excess utility infrastructure and capacity. The Main Street/Commercial District Revitalization program is designed to assist communities in realizing their goals and promote "smart growth" investment in central business districts and commercial corridors. As a result of public/private partnerships and planning initiatives, communities are prioritizing and implementing unique projects that impact their competitive viability, attract investment, and capitalize on their distinct development potential.

“The Hudson River Brewhouse is excited to begin serving fine quality espressos, coffees and premium teas as well as many of our regions finest craft beers, wines and hard ciders to our community and travelers alike!” said Drake Hewitt, owner. “We have enjoyed tremendous support at all levels, including personnel working for the village, the Phoenix Rising economic engine, as well as local and state representatives who have taken steadfast and fruitful interest in the momentum the business community is currently realizing. We owe an additional level of gratitude to National Grid and their grant program. This grant gave us an economic boost toward major renovation portions getting the building up to speed for our new endeavor.”

During the past five years, National Grid has approved or disbursed more than $1 million in grant funding for economic development projects located in Washington County, specifically more than $650,000 along the Route 4 corridor and/or in the village of Hudson Falls.  Projects range from helping dairy farms and manufacturing facilities expand and become more energy efficient to providing funding for vacant building redevelopment and brownfield reclamation.

In the past two decades, National Grid has provided more than $100 million in economic development grant funding to projects in upstate New York, helping to create or retain nearly 50,000 jobs and leverage more than $9 billion in other private and public investment.