Set in the rolling fields that hug the Wallkill River and among the Shawangunk Mountains lies a piece of Hudson Valley history and an American legacy. In 1884, Borden’s New York Condensed Milk Company built its largest condensery along Route 208 – a facility that was constructed with local brick and is considered by historians as a landmark for its elegance and detail. Now, as the facility lies in ruin due to fire and neglect, founder and CEO of City Winery Michael Dorf has made it his mission to repurpose the property for modern use as The Milk Factory.
Just as City Winery Hudson Valley is an all-in-one venue in Montgomery, Dorf intends for The Milk Factory to have a similar community feeling, with a luxury boutique hotel, pool and spa, retail shops, co-working spaces, and local recreational options. Dorf and his development team pride themselves on adaptive reuse of older buildings by preserving the old character while renovating spaces to foster user-friendly hospitality environments.
“As these buildings are on the brink of collapse, our primary goal is to salvage what is remaining and really be a steward of these incredible buildings and give them a new breath of life,” says Director of Design and Development Noah Bobrowsky.
As the development team awaits final approvals with the town, construction on The Milk Factory is projected to begin in the spring or summer of 2024 with an estimated opening date of late 2026 or early 2027. Named as an homage to its past, the resort will be a unique destination property that blends the tangible and intangible history of the buildings – redesigned with modern elements and comforts.
Designed to accommodate live-work-play needs, the project’s features will give visitors a taste of country living within a wondrous escape. The hotel includes suites and lofts – some of which are suitable for long-term stays – to offer a hint of urban luxury without the hassle of full home ownership. Suites will have two or three bedrooms, an open kitchen-living area, a fireplace, and panoramic views of nature to experience the beauty of the Hudson Valley in every season.
Aside from the living spaces is the property’s village, a curated community that creates the feeling of comfort and home while giving guests the opportunity for adventure. Factory buildings will be connected by a cobblestone street that leads to world-class dining like an upscale winery and distillery tasting room, a farm-to-table restaurant cleverly dubbed Moo, and three uniquely themed bars. In the summer months, guests can take a dip in the outdoor pool, then relax in the luxury spa in the winter.
Through collaboration with local retailers and vendors, The Milk Factory hopes to make authentic country living accessible to all by featuring the work of regional artisans in everything from the furniture to the restaurant ingredients. Also in close proximity to the resort is a range of year-round activities such as kayaking on the river, golfing at a championship golf course, skiing in the mountains, and hiking on local trails.
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The country living escape is not just for hotel guests, as The Milk Factory wants to encourage nearby residents to come and experience what the resort has to offer. Live events such as local musicians, vendors, and food trucks will be open to the public for all to enjoy, and the resort will also have spaces for elegant indoor and outdoor events to accommodate weddings, corporate meetings, and other lifestyle affairs.
Although the project is just at its conception, The Milk Factory is sure to be a force in the Hudson Valley that tastefully blends the past with the present.
The Milk Factory will be located at 2860 State Route 208 in Walden.
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