Project Supported by $4.1 Million Grant from North Country's Upstate Revitalization Initiative
Advances North Country Regional Strategy of Supporting Lodging and Tourism Infrastructure
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the grand opening of the $25 million Lodge at Schroon Lake in the Town of Schroon, Essex County. The transformation of the Brown Swan Club into the Lodge at Schroon Lake is being supported by a $4.1 million grant through the Upstate Revitalization Initiative and will create 47 full-time equivalent jobs at the site, plus 30 seasonal positions. Additionally, the project aligns with the region's placemaking and workforce strategies by serving as a community anchor, celebrating regional heritage and architecture, and creating accessible employment opportunities for residents.
"We are continuing to invest in the revitalization of the North Country, ensuring people from across the globe can experience its picturesque beauty,” Governor Hochul said. "The tourism economy is vital to Upstate New York and by investing and transforming this beautiful location into a word-class destination, we are attracting visitors not just to the High Peaks and Lake Placid, but also to unique and wonderful locations that are just off the beaten path."
Built in 1917 and formerly known as the Brown Swan Club, the vacant property was purchased by SpringCity Development Group, a subsidiary of Bonacio Construction, Inc., and converted into a premier Adirondack destination, with 116 guest rooms including 44 standard rooms and 25 suites in the Main Lodge, 25 guest rooms in the West Lodge, nine chalets, five cabins, three suites in Longhouse Cabin and 5 glamping sites. The resort includes a 10,000 square-foot world-class restaurant and extensive indoor and outdoor amenities for guests such as miniature golf, multipurpose sports courts and guest waterfront area with swimming, docks, a deck, boats for guest use, and dock slips.
SpringCity Development Group has partnered with Sonny and Julie Bonacio and Andrea Crisafulli and Alan Ayers to acquire and revitalize the Brown Swan Club, which most recently served as the Word of Life Lodge. The resort's day-to-day operations will be handled by Hay Creek Hotels, a highly decorated hotel operator known for its unique and boutique authentic and locally-inspired guest experiences at 32 locations across the United States.
The State's investment in the Lodge at Schroon Lake resort complements Governor Hochul's many investments in the Southern Adirondacks, including in nearby Ticonderoga, which was the $10 million North Country winner of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative in round six and a recent $1.9 million Restore New York grant to Essex County for the continued investment in the cleanup and redevelopment of the former Frontier Town in North Hudson.
Additionally, the North Country Regional Economic Development Council has specifically targeted high quality lodging development projects that celebrate local character, provide unique and memorable visitor experiences, and serve as placemaking anchors in their communities. The Adirondacks are known for their natural beauty, first-class outdoor recreation, history and family-friendly activities. By supporting projects that address lodging capacity, New York State's investments complement regional tourism efforts and encourage more visitors to explore smaller communities in the region like Schroon Lake.
The tourism economy is vital to Upstate New York and by investing and transforming this beautiful location into a word-class destination, we are attracting visitors not just to the High Peaks and Lake Placid, but also to unique and wonderful locations that are just off the beaten path."
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, "The restoration of the Brown Swan Club into the Lodge at Schroon Lake signals Governor Hochul's continued support of the North Country by strategically growing local economies through commitments to tourism and lodging. This funding will further the region's broader mission, inviting fresh activity from new visitors and from businesses intent on cultivating Adirondack communities."
Empire State Development Vice President and Executive Director of Tourism Ross D. Levi said, "The Adirondacks are a jewel in New York's tourism crown, and the newly transformed Lodge at Schroon Lake will welcome guests from around the world to explore and experience all that the region has to offer. The Lodge at Schroon Lake is a great addition to the area's unique lodgings and serves as the latest reason why it's easy for visitors to love New York."
North Country Regional Economic Development Council Co-Chairs James McKenna and Dr. Kathryn Morris said, "This effort to breathe new life into Schroon Lake's tourism infrastructure is essential to our wider vision of capitalizing on opportunities from travel in the region, both for visitors and local businesses. Perched right on the lakeshore and adjacent to the Adirondack Northway, this investment is emblematic of the North Country's desire to promote interest in the local economy and the region's stunning natural beauty."
State Senator Daniel Stec said, "The Southern Adirondacks hold a great deal of economic and recreational potential. Transforming the Brown Swan Club into the Lodge at Schroon Lake is an important piece in expanding opportunities and development. The renovations are stunning, and this grand opening is welcome news for our region."
Assemblymember Matthew Simpson said, "The renovation of this property will shine light on one of the remarkable treasures we have here in the Adirondacks. Schroon Lake and the surrounding area is a magnificent natural landscape matched in beauty by its kind and welcoming community. The commitment made by Governor Kathy Hochul and the Bonacio family signals the belief that our region is now and will continue to be a premier destination for generations to come."
Essex County Board of Supervisors Chair Shaun Gillilland said, "Essex County is proud to be a vital partner in the redevelopment of the Brown Swan Resort to the Lodge at Schroon Lake. This tremendous economic development project promises to be a game changer for business prosperity in the southern Essex County region. The partnership between New York State and our Essex County Industrial Development Agency exemplifies what can be done when New Yorkers have a vision, a will, and the drive to transform the economic landscape. Essex County wishes to thank Governor Hochul for seeing and supporting that vision to make this project a success for Essex County and the Adirondacks."
Schroon Town Supervisor Meg Wood said, "The Town of Schroon continues to work on the revitalization of its downtown core community and to see thorough long-range plans to protect the lake and watershed area so key to the Town's economic well-being. Spring City's resort project shows an appreciation for the history of Schroon Lake and the character of the Adirondack region. The Lodge at Schroon Lake will add a new dimension that complements the great hospitality venues already in our community."
Bonacio Construction CEO Sonny Bonacio said, "This site is an absolute gem, and we are excited to finally share its transformation with the public. While we have realized our original vision, we also expanded our investment during construction to truly solidify the Lodge as a highly sought-after destination for a variety of guests. Perhaps most exciting is the expansion of the Lodge with the creation of the High Peaks Ballroom for wedding and events which can host up to 300 people. We have enjoyed working with Andrea and Alan and the Hay Creek Team to bring our collective vision for the Lodge to life."
Crisafulli Bros. Plumbing & Heating Contractors President Andrea Crisafulli said, "It is hard to believe it was just a year ago we were closing on the purchase and here we are opening our doors to guests. I've been in love with this property for as long as I can remember, and to be a part of its revitalization with Alan, and Sonny and Julie Bonacio, feels like a dream come true. As it becomes the thriving destination it once was, we hope families will come, fall in love with the outdoors, the lakes and mountains, but most importantly spend time with one another. We want to recapture the Schroon Lake that my father and I were lucky enough to experience in our youth."
About Empire State Development
Empire State Development (ESD) is New York's chief economic development agency. The mission of ESD is to promote a vigorous and growing economy, encourage the creation of new job and economic opportunities, increase revenues to the State and its municipalities, and achieve stable and diversified local economies. Through the use of loans, grants, tax credits and other forms of financial assistance, ESD strives to enhance private business investment and growth to spur job creation and support prosperous communities across New York State. ESD is also the primary administrative agency overseeing the New York State Regional Economic Development Councils and the marketing of "I LOVE NY," the State's iconic tourism brand. For more information on Regional Councils and Empire State Development, please visit www.regionalcouncils.ny.gov and www.esd.ny.gov.
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