The Milk Factory
Transforming the iconic Borden Condensery into a modern escape for the close-knit local upstate New York community as well as travelers– to live, work and play.
History & Context
An American Legacy
In 1881, John Gail Borden built the family empire atop a hill in the Hudson Valley, set in the rolling fields that hug the Wallkill River, among the Shawangunk Mountains and Hudson River. This was the home of his family farm, pastures, and living estates. The 1500-acre property was tranquil farmland connected by a network of train tracks, which provided access to big-city markets including New York City. Its hundreds of workers would eat, drink and make their living from its bounty.
The Crown Jewel
In 1884, Borden’s New York Condensed Milk Company built its largest condensery along Route 208. It was designed to process the milk of 5,000 cows from nearby farms in Ulster and Orange counties. The facility, now in ruins after a fire and neglect, was built of local brick and considered by historians as a landmark for its unique detail. This is where our part of the story starts. We want to pay homage to the Borden history and the elegance of the magnificent property starting with the name: The Milk Factory.
Our Concept
Adaptive Reuse
A quaint old-world village situated on a 20-acre property, which features the Wallkill River running on the western side and the Rail Trail on the eastern, incorporating 50,000 sf of existing industrial historic buildings. A mixed-use, live-work community, The Milk Factory features a luxury boutique hotel with a pool and spa, unique loft-style suites, fine dining, retail shops, as well as an array of community-oriented spaces, all utilizing the history of the property as a thread throughout. Moo, the Sky Bar, the Garden room, and our rejuvenating Spa are just a few of the cornerstones of the historic turn-of-the-century Factory. There is a combination of amenities for both the weekend visitor to the Hudson Valley and the longer-term residents who want to enjoy the abundances of the area. The historic industrial backdrop set in the farmland create a distinctive competitive advantage to the discerning cosmopolitan New Yorker looking for a stay in the Hudson Valley.
It’s “staying in the country” with a hint of urban luxury and without the hassles of full home ownership.
This is simply the essence of country life at The Milk Factory.
LIVE
WORK
PLAY
Just a short, scenic 90 minute drive from Manhattan.
For flights, The Milk Factory is easily accessible from several international hubs.
New York Stewart International Airport | 11 Miles South, 20 Minutes
Newark Liberty International Airport | 79 Miles South, 1 Hour 30 Minutes
LaGuardia Airport | 74 Miles South, 1 Hour 40 Minutes
John F. Kennedy International Airport | 84 Miles South, 2 Hours