Thornwillow Makers Village

Newburgh, New York

Client: Thornwillow Institute

2016-2017

Situated on the Hudson River 60 miles north of New York City, Newburgh, NY is a city with enormous potential and yet significant challenges. Despite its historical importance and architectural vibrancy—the city once housed George Washington’s headquarters, and features a historic district with scores of architecturally notable buildings—Newburgh, with a population of approximately 30,000, is today among America’s most distressed communities.

The Thornwillow Makers Village is a transformative economic development and downtown revitalization initiative launched by Thornwillow Institute. Sited within a complex of properties centered on South Lander Street, the project builds on the success of Thornwillow Press, one of the world’s leading publishers of limited-edition books, based in Newburgh’s East End Historic District since 2004.

The Institute was founded to leverage this commitment to craft production as a catalyst for Newburgh’s revitalization. Central among its initiatives is the development of Thornwillow Makers Village, which will encompass 100,000 square feet in and around five adjacent properties. Anchored by a historic carriage house, the Village will include maker incubator spaces; live/work studios; gallery, event, and retail spaces; and a bar and restaurant highlighting Hudson Valley craft distilleries. The “hearth” of the Makers Village is a proposed Community Kitchen and Marketplace that will showcase craft food and beverage entrepreneurship, incubate small businesses, and cultivate a community of local food producers and enthusiasts.

Being Here has collaborated on the planning, design, and development of Thornwillow Makers Village, including the project masterplan, streetscape design, consultation with public-sector agencies and community stakeholders, and creation of the Institute’s not-for-profit infrastructure to carry this ambitious project forward. The Makers Village promises to advance Newburgh’s resurgence as one of New York’s most economically diverse and dynamic places.