Project Supported by $4.1 Million Grant from North Country's Upstate Revitalization Initiative
Advances Regional Strategy of Supporting Lodging and Tourism Infrastructure
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that SpringCity Development Group, a subsidiary of Bonacio Construction, Inc, plans to invest nearly $21 million to acquire, renovate and revitalize the former Brown Swan Club on the shores of Schroon Lake in the Town of Schroon, Essex County. Built in 1917, the existing buildings will be converted into the Brown Swan Resort, a premier Adirondack destination, a planned 121 guest rooms including 69 standard rooms, 25 suites, nine seasonal chalets, eight cabins and 10 glamping sites. The resort will include 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 swimming areas with docks and a deck.
"As we continue to build back from the pandemic, it is essential that we promote tourism in every corner of New York State to help spur economic growth," Governor Hochul said. "I'm proud to support the Brown Swan Resort on Schroon Lake, which will entice people from all over to visit the Adirondack community. Projects like these send a clear message to the world: New York is back and we welcome you with open arms."
SpringCity Development 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.
Sonny Bonacio, President of Bonacio Construction Inc., said, "This site is an absolute gem. While extensive updates and upgrades are required as part of this project, you can't beat the location. We have been looking in this area for a while to create a project like this, so when the opportunity presented itself, we couldn't say yes fast enough! We are excited to work with Andrea and Alan and the Hay Creek Team to bring our collective vision to life."
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, "Transforming this iconic resort will welcome residents and visitors to Schroon Lake, supporting the local and regional tourism economies. The revitalized Brown Swan Resort will further the region's plans to grow the tourism economy by capitalizing on the natural beauty of the lake and creating a destination that invites guests to explore and experience the surrounding communities."
The State's investment in The Brown Swan resort complements Governor Hochul's $450 million "Bring Back Tourism, Bring Back Jobs" inclusive recovery package to support New York State's hardest-hit tourism sector workers, revitalize the state's tourism industry, and support businesses started just prior to or during the pandemic. This comprehensive strategy supports unemployed workers and struggling businesses in the critically important tourism and hospitality sector, which was New York's third-largest industry prior to the pandemic. Additionally, the North Country Regional Economic Development Council has specifically targeted lodging development and investments in tourism infrastructure in the Thousand Islands and Adirondack regions to expand and support the area's thriving hospitality economy. 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 transformation of the Brown Swan Resort is being supported by a $4.1 million grant through the Upstate Revitalization Initiative and will create 26 full-time equivalent jobs at the site, plus seven 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.
North Country Regional Economic Development Council Co-Chair James McKenna said, "The redevelopment of the Brown Swan Resort is positioned for success. The Resort's close proximity to the Adirondack Northway (I87), combined with the small town charm of Schroon Lake and the outdoor recreational opportunities of Adirondack Park will establish a new year-round destination that will drive economic growth and new jobs. This project fits well within the NCREDC's plan and we look forward to its grand opening."
State Senator Daniel Stec said, "Revitalizing the existing Brown Swan Club into a resort is welcome news for Schroon Lake and the surrounding communities. The $4.1 million grant from the Upstate Revitalization Initiative Fund will be crucial in helping to create good-paying jobs right here and help transform the resort grounds into a premier tourist destination and grow our local economy."
Assemblymember Matthew Simpson said, "I am excited to see that new life will be given to the Brown Swan Club and with news that the Bonacio family is behind it brings a huge level of confidence that this will be a renovation and repurposing done right. As a resident of Brant Lake, the Schroon Lake community are truly wonderful neighbors who will welcome this redevelopment with open arms and provide the utmost level of hospitality to the Bonacio family, Hay Creek Hotels, and the many visitors they will help bring to the area. I applaud Governor Hochul and the North Country Regional Economic Development Council for seeing the value and potential of this project as well as believing in the surrounding community's long term ability to support the Brown Swan Resort and in doing so, allowing all who are involved the opportunity to showcase the great benefits of what public private partnerships can bring to communities throughout the North Country and across the State."
Town of Schroon Supervisor Meg Wood said, "Schroon Lake has held on to its longtime reputation as a quiet family-oriented destination for visitors to enjoy all- season recreation and exploration of the Adirondack Park. The original Brown Swan Club carried the rustic elegance of the 19th century lakefront hotels well into the mid 20th century. Schroon residents are pleased to know that the history and character of our Town and the Adirondack region will be a part of this project."
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.