An old hotel with a rich past is gaining new life as a community-oriented rental complex.
40 Cannon Street in Poughkeepsie reinterpreted the King’s Court Hotel into 49 apartments ranging from studios to tri-level penthouses.
Jim and Gina Sullivan of James J. Sullivan Corporations bought the property in 2013, two years after a devastating fire tore through the eastern half of it. The roofless brick structures were shored up, then gutted and renovated with the help of people referred by local organizations who learned a trade as they worked.
Their efforts paid off: Tenants enjoy sunny rooms with beautiful bathrooms, modern kitchens, and hardwood floors. Some units have exposed-brick walls. With a nod to both animal lovers and those who may be allergic to fur-bearers, there’s a wing exclusively for pet owners. The hallway connecting it is a mini-library stocked with paperbacks and hardcovers. Tenants enjoy outdoor decks at the rear of the property. There’s also a small fleet of loaner bicycles to complement the onsite gym and sauna.
“We’re trying to create more than a place to sleep,” Gina explains.
To that end, she holds a tenant get-together once a month: “It’s important for us to create a property where people know their neighbors,” she adds. “If you know your neighbors, you’ll be kinder.”
The complex got its certificate of occupancy May 11 — 103 years, and a day, after King’s Court Hotel got its CO. Back in 1915, Simon King operated a food wagon before getting into the hotel business, and he self-named his hotel. The new 40 Cannon Street honors his legacy with King’s Court Brewing Co. occupying a street-level commercial space. The 1915 Wine Cellar, also named with a bow to the property’s history, occupies a basement-level commercial space.
Gallery 40, which opened up in the brick-walled skylit lobby area, will showcase local artists. Other non-residential plans at 40 Cannon include a pop-up shop from Elizabeth Boutique, and space for a coffeehouse or bakery.
