Rough Draft Bar & Books in Uptown Kingston temporarily closed this week after burst pipes flooded the building, an incident the business linked to frigid temperatures and a vacant space above the shop that appeared to have no heat.
In a social media update, Rough Draft said the building “needs a lot of work done,” and noted that the Kingston Fire Department responded quickly and helped with cleanup. A photo shared online showed a City of Kingston notice stating the building was unsafe and that occupancy had been prohibited while repairs move forward.
The water damage comes after another disruption that has kept Rough Draft’s outdoor seating off the sidewalk. In April 2025, Kingston police said a pickup truck struck and destroyed the business’s “parklet” dining area in the early morning hours, and an Ulster Park man was arrested and charged in connection with the incident.
Fiery political pundit Gerald Celente owns three of the historic buildings on the “Four Corners” intersection of John and Crown Streets, including the one Rough Draft occupies.
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