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STRONG COMMUNITY SPIRIT
When Dia announced its move to Beacon, the city’s established community of artists created BeaconArts. The nonpro t organization, which seeks to foster economic and cultural development in Beacon, is one of the reasons why the city has become the region’s de facto cultural capital.
“We knew that there were going to be people from all over the world visiting,” says Kelly Ellenwood, vice president of BeaconArts. “How were we going to make that work for the city and for the people that come here?”
BeaconArts promotes Beacon as a sustainable economy fueled by the arts through regular events. One example is Second Saturday—held on the second Saturday of each month—during which art galleries and shops remain open until 9pm. Many galleries hold exhibit openings on this night, while organizations and shops host special events. Another example is Beacon Open Studios, an annual weekend event during which artists open their studios to the public.
In recent years, BeaconArts has increased its support strategies for Beacon’s artists. Often, the organization will take on a scal sponsorship with other organizations or artists to provide administrativehelpsuchasgrantwriting. One such sponsorship is with Windows on Main Street, an annual event in which local artists display their work in the windows of local businesses.
“We’re really catalysts in a way,” says Ellenwood. “We’re providing that door so that fundraising can be possible. The bene ts are astronomical.”
Those bene ts include more business on Main Street. In 2000, Beacon reported 308 jobs in the arts, entertainment, recreation, and accommodation sector. In 2013, the city reported 704 jobs in the sector.
EAST END DEVELOPMENT
In recent years, the city’s development has expanded to the east end, where Main Street crosses the Fishkill Creek at a dramatic waterfall and beside former
factory sites. Local investor Robert McAlpine noticed potential in one of those sites, once home to Braendly Dye Works.
McAlpine restored and rebuilt the long-vacant structures on the property, transforming it into The Roundhouse, a hotel that opened in 2012 with 41 well- appointed guest rooms and suites, some with soaring ceilings and skylights. An event space overlooking the cascades is key to the Roundhouse’s development, as it generates weekend visitors for weddings and other special functions. The hotel, which brings 20,000 people into the area annually, hosts approximately 80 events per year, more than 90 percent of them weddings.
“More often than not, people coming forweddingsarecomingfromanhouror more away,” says Katie Guerra, general manager of the Roundhouse. “They’re staying for two days. They’re doing their rehearsal dinner either with us or with another restaurant in Beacon.”
McAlpine also owns another warehouse in the east end that is being transformed into retail storefronts and high-end condominiums. Other East End developments include the Hudson Valley Brewery, which opened its space in a circa-1880s factory near The Roundhouse, and the Lofts at Beacon, arenovated19th-centurytextilemill along the Fishkill Creek.
The center of Main Street is also experiencing an unprecedented level of mixed-use development. The Towne Crier Cafe, a famous Dutchess County concert venue and restaurant, moved to Beacon in 2013, sensing the opportunity to be an anchor business inthecity.TheTowneCrierhashosted performances by the likes of Ani DiFranco,DonMcLean,andPeteSeeger.
Also in the center of the city, the 1928 Beacon Theatre on Main Street is being converted into a movie theater with a performing arts space, plus a market and 30 residential units. And following the Roundhouse’s lead, a boutique hotel is opening on the west end of Main, and the former Mount Beacon Hotel is being renovated.
“What started as the rehab of some old buildings downtown has led to a remarkable transformation in Beacon over the past decade. Our thriving arts scene, walkable downtown, beautiful riverfront, and other natural resources provide endless entertainment and other opportunities for residents and visitors alike.”
— Randy Casale, Mayor of Beacon
ATTRACTING YOUNG PROFESSIONALS
This activity has changed Beacon’s image. Millennials and innovative professionals seeking an urban environment accessible to New York City are moving to Beacon, bringing youthful energy and entrepreneurial skills. These recent arrivals are taking advantage of the city’s walkability and small-business culture, which promotes community involvement.
For example, a resident can buy produce at the Sunday farmers’ market and meat at Barb’s Butchery, which acquires its supply from local farms. Residents can be found daily at haunts, and Dogwood, a craft bar and restaurant. Main Street is lled with restaurants that specialize in farm-to- table bites, like Harry’s Hot Sandwiches, Kitchen Sink Food & Drink, and Poppy’s Burger & Fries.
Beacon also boasts 71 acres of parkland within a half mile of its
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