by Hank Gross (MidHudsonNews.com)
 Ceremonial groundbreaking on Friday |
HYDE PARK – Construction of the $500 million Bellefield at Historic Hyde Park is underway as company and public officials gathered at the site on Friday to mark the start of construction.
When completed, the project will include two hotels, culinary shops, farm-to-table restaurants, a special event barn and educational center.
The project on Route 9 is directly across from the Culinary Institute of America.
Dutchess Tourism President Mary Kay Vrba said it will add much to the visitor experience in the Hudson Valley.
“It gives us more rooms in the northern part of Dutchess County with so many historic sites and culinary sites and arts in the area that now people can come in, can stay overnight, they can spend a couple days here and really take advantage of all that we have to offer,” Vrba said.
Phase one work will include construction of the Inn at Bellefield, a 133-room soft-branded Residence Inn. Other initial work will include development of the infrastructure for the site, at a total cost of $60 million.
Dutchess County Industrial Development Agency President Sarah Lee said the project “will bring investors and businesses, grow jobs for our residents and attract visitors who will spend money in our county, which helps stabilize the tax base.”
Earlier this week, the Dutchess IDA also approved financial incentives for another area project – a sake brewery in a former supermarket also not far from the CIA.
 Project footprint. Route 9 is at bottom |
