Goshen, N.Y. – Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus has announced that the Legislature has unanimously approved for his proposal to sell three historically significant Grand Street properties in the City of Newburgh to Sullivan County-based Foster Supply Hospitality (FSH).
“We are excited to move forward with this project which will help to create significant commercial growth in the City of Newburgh and turn these properties into success stories,” Neuhaus said. “The Grand Street properties will provide economic development as well as job opportunities for Orange County residents. I’m pleased that the County will be putting this historic property on the tax rolls and to productive use.”
The project, as proposed by FSH, will fortify SUNY Orange, which is located at that same location. Together, they will form an important conference center opportunity in eastern Orange County, along the Hudson River.
FSH has made an offer of $1.25 million to acquire the properties, which consist of a former Masonic lodge, a YMCA and an American Legion hall. Foster will also invest $20 million of private equity into the project, which will create up to 80 hotel rooms and restore the century-old Masonic Lodge. Part of the development will include opening a 100-seat restaurant and bar on the first floor of the Lodge.
The plan also includes the development of a rooftop lounge, the restoration of a historic bowling alley in the basement of the lodge, event spaces on the second and third floors, and a cocktail lounge on the fourth floor.
“FSH will be a positive force in the rebirth of these properties and will be a great community partner,” Neuhaus said. “The City of Newburgh, Orange County, SUNY Orange and the community all participated in the selection of this developer. This significant project will also provide sales and hotel room tax revenue. County Government is committed to helping the City of Newburgh in developing its assets for the benefit of our entire County.”
For more information, contact Justin Rodriguez, Assistant to the County Executive for Communications and Media Relations at 845.291.3255 or jrodriguez@orangecountygov.com.
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