Residents of Pine Hill are planning to breathe new life into a historic Catskills landmark, while relieving some pressure from an area-wide housing crisis.
The Wellington, a three-story Italianate built in 1882, once stood as a blighted fixture on Pine Hill’s Main Street. Today, a grassroots group of 20 residents — organized under Wellington Blueberry LLC — aims to restore it into a mixed-use community hub with a cafe, food market, and 10 affordable housing units.
Backed by the local nonprofit developer RUPCO, the project recently secured a $1.6 million grant from New York State’s Restore New York initiative. Organizers estimate a total cost of around $6-7 million to shore up structural damage and modernize systems like heating, cooling, and fire sprinklers. Already, volunteers have cleared out 30 dumpsters’ worth of debris and drafted architectural plans to preserve The Wellington’s original character—think high ceilings and expansive windows—while adding essential upgrades.
Located in the quaint a hamlet of fewer than 300 people, The Wellington’s planned revival addresses multiple local needs: more housing options for workers in a region grappling with rising rents, plus a reliable spot to buy food and gather for coffee. With eyes set on opening by the end of 2026, supporters hope this restoration will spark broader Main Street revitalization and help Pine Hill reclaim a cherished piece of its past—proof that a little small-town grit can go a long way toward reviving a historic treasure.
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