Revived mixed use plans for the Regal Bag building were presented at the city council meeting last Thursday according to the Mid Hudson News. The plans call for 108 rental units as well as commercial and retail space, as well as the development of 2 lots. Plans had first surfaced in 2010 with the project promising approximately $2 million dollars to the city’s tax base. However, hard economic times pushed plans back and it almost seemed the project was forgotten – until now. The building is part of Newburgh’s industrial past:
“Regal Bag was built in the 1830’s as Newburgh Steam Mills, manufacturing cloth. Later the building housed Coldwell Lawnmower Co., and and a pocketbook factory. It is listed in Ripley’s Believe It Or Not as the only building that has its main entrance on the 6th floor.”
Quite a few artists have spaces in the building. I have no knowledge of whether or not they will be able to stay. Many view this project as an opportunity to develop the north end of Newburgh’s waterfront. What remains to be seen is how eastern and western sides of Water Street can be united.
-Photo of Regal Bag Building by John Leighton
