ESD and City of Ogdensburg Announce Groundbreaking for Small City Brewing Company

A New Craft Brewery, Taproom & Event Space Coming to Downtown Ogdensburg

See rendering here

Empire State Development and the City of Ogdensburg today announced the groundbreaking for Small City Brewing Company in Ogdensburg. Small City Brewing Company will transform a vacant 4,700-square-foot building at 110 Lake Street into a craft beer manufacturing facility complete with a taproom, outdoor seating, and a dedicated event space - bringing new life, new jobs, and a new community gathering place to the heart of the city. It will be one of only a few breweries in St. Lawrence County and the only brewery in Ogdensburg. Small City Brewing Company is estimated to be complete in spring/summer 2027. See rendering here.

"The groundbreaking of Small City Brewing Company is a major step forward in advancing the development of Ogdensburg's Marina District," said Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Hope Knight. "By transforming a long-vacant building into a vibrant destination for craft beer and community events, we are activating the waterfront through the kind of adaptive reuse that welcomes residents and visitors and drives economic growth. Through the Restore New York program, Empire State Development is proud to support the City's efforts to eliminate blight and create new opportunities."

The nearly $1.4 million project will include a manufacturing facility with a commercial grade five-barrel brewing system and the addition of a 400-square-foot grain room. SCBC plans to wholesale to restaurants and bars and open a retail tasting room on-site with a commercial kitchen and event space. ESD provided the City of Ogdensburg with $914,335 in Restore New York IX grant funding for this project.

City of Ogdensburg Mayor Michael Tooley said, "This is another exciting day for the City of Ogdensburg as we celebrate the groundbreaking of Small City Brewing Company. Bill Hosmer and his family continue to play a significant role in the development of the city's Marina District into a tourism destination benefiting our economy. The city appreciates and recognizes New York State for its investments in the city. The Restore New York grant supporting Small City Brewing Company's venture, and the recent $10 million DRI award by Governor Hochul, demonstrates the state's confidence that the City of Ogdensburg is a community on the rise and heading to a prosperous future."

Small City Brewing Company Partner Bill Hosmer said, "We're very excited to partner on this project as we continue to redevelop the City of Ogdensburg's Marina District. We hope this investment enhances the community and drives tourism to a city that is on the rise, and in position to grow. We are thankful for the state for helping to make this project a reality with the Restore grant investment!"

The facility will feature a 1,400-square-foot manufacturing hub, though the heart of the cement-block building is dedicated to the guest experience. This expansive retail space will house a taproom complete with a tasting bar, communal seating, a lounge area and a space for SCBC merchandise and locally sourced goods. Additionally, a 400-square-foot expansion on the north end will provide a dedicated grain room and storage to support increased production.

Governor Kathy Hochul also recently announced the City of Ogdensburg will receive $10 million in funding as the North Country winner of the ninth round of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI).

The Restore New York Communities Initiative ("Restore NY") provides municipalities with financial assistance for the revitalization of commercial and residential properties. The program encourages community development and neighborhood growth through the elimination and redevelopment of blighted structures.

About Empire State Development
ESD is New York's chief economic development agency, and promotes business growth, job creation, and greater economic opportunity throughout the state. With offices in each of the state's 10 regions, ESD oversees the Regional Economic Development Councils, supports broadband equity through the ConnectALL office, and is growing the workforce of tomorrow through the Office of Strategic Workforce Development. The agency engages with emerging and next generation industries like clean energy and semiconductor manufacturing looking to grow in New York State, operates a network of assistance centers to help small businesses grow and succeed, and promotes the state's world class tourism destinations through ILOVENY. For more information, please visit ESD's website here, and connect with ESD on LinkedIn, Facebook and X, formerly known as Twitter.

Contact:
Laura Magee (ESD) | [email protected] | (716) 846-8239 | (800) 260-7313
William Hosmer (Small City Brewing Company) | [email protected] | 315-323-6037