Local History

The Roe Jan Brewing Co., one of Hillsdale’s newer businesses, located in one of the older commercial buildings in the town, has been awarded a 2021 New York State Preservation Award by New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. Roe Jan Brewing is one of nine projects in the state recognized for their efforts to preserve the state’s history.

Roe Jan Brewing, owned by Steve and Kathy Bluestone, was cited for Excellence in Historic Rehabilitation “for the adaptive reuse of the former Buckley Store building. Constructed in 1851, the building had been vacant before being rehabilitated for use as a craft brewery and restaurant with the help of Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credits.”

“After housing numerous retail and agricultural businesses over the years, it was vacant and in terrible disrepair when we purchased it in 2018,” says Steve. “For starters, the entire building needed to be lifted in order to replace the partially collapsed foundation. We’re grateful for Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credits that allowed us to tackle and complete this ambitious project!” Steve credits Lex Lalli and Fran Eberhart for suggesting that the Bluestones apply and providing significant help with the application process.

Created in 1980, the State Historic Preservation Awards are presented by the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation each year to honor excellence in the protection and revitalization of historic and cultural resources. The awards follow the completion of the 2021-2026 NYS Historic Preservation Plan, which offers a bold vision for all New Yorkers to partake in the social and economic benefits of historic preservation.