Crafting Revitalization In The Albany Warehouse District

March 10, 2017

Since the 2012 passage of New York Farm Brewery legislation and continued support from Governor Cuomo, the number of craft breweries in New York more than tripled between 2012 and 2017. Today, craft beverage producers across the state have an economic impact of $4 billion.

Having a major impact on downtowns and urban centers across the state, downtown Albany and the warehouse district is no exception. On Thursday, the Northeast Economic Developers Association presented a panel discussion, Crafting Revitalization. Capitalize Albany joined economic developers and community leaders from across the Region at Druthers Brewing Company (1053 Broadway) for a happy-hour discussion on the economic impact craft beverage producers are having on downtowns. Leading the discussion was John Curtain; co-owner, Albany Distilling; Chris Martell, CEO, Druthers Brewing; Monica Kurzejeski, Deputy Mayor, City of Troy; and Sarah Reginelli; president of Capitalize Albany Corporation.

Adjacent to downtown Albany, the warehouse district was a focus of the Impact Downtown Albany strategic plan as a critical complement to the momentum driving growth in the downtown core. As Plan implementation continues, the warehouse district is thriving with a rush of new interest from developers around the region. The Albany Craft Beverage Trail has emerged and the district has become a brewing powerhouse. With craft beverage producers complementing a mix of vibrant businesses, new investments are being catalyzed in the district. Currently more than $40 million in new investments are under way or in the pipeline.