UTICA, N.Y. — Adirondack Barrel Cooperage, LLC (ADK Barrel) is planning to expand and move from its current home to a site in downtown Utica’s Bagg’s Square area, Utica Mayor Robert Palmieri and Councilwoman Maria McNiel announced Thursday.
Utica’s Urban Renewal Agency (URA) on Thursday morning approved ADK Barrel member/partner Anthony J. Hynes’ application to purchase 2.2 acres near the Adirondack Bank Center at the Utica Memorial Auditorium from the URA for $180,000. The final sale is contingent on approval from the Utica Common Council.
ADK Barrel Cooperage builds American White Oak (Quercus alba) barrels for the craft beverage industry and is the only cooperage in Central New York. It is currently located at 1005 Williams Road in Remsen. The company is owned by Hynes, along with Joe Blazosky and Kelly Blazosky.
In addition to relocating its operations, ADK Barrel’s proposed project includes an open, expanded area for manufacturing (cooperage), factory tours, a restaurant, a tasting room to showcase products aged in ADK Barrels, and a potential distillery, according to a City of Utica release.
The total estimated project cost is between $3 million and $5 million, the city said.
“This is an exciting project that will enhance and build upon all the positive activity that is occurring near the Auditorium and throughout Bagg’s Square,” Mayor Palmieri said about the ADK Barrel Cooperage project. “I thank Tony, Joe and Kelly for investing and relocating their business in Utica.”
The ADK Barrel Cooperage owners stated, “We are excited to invest in historic Bagg’s Square to bring manufacturing jobs and the art of barrel coopering to downtown Utica. We intend to develop a one-of-a-kind destination that will uniquely feature the Cooperage, the U.S. and New York State craft beverage industry, and enhance the U-District experience for visitors and residents alike.”
ADK Barrel Cooperage says it uses charring and toasting technology that provides “extreme accuracy for temperature control that allows for desirable flavor notes.” Each barrel is hand-crafted and custom built, per the release. The firm has clients across the United States.
Contact Rombel at arombel@cnybj.com