The project consisted of building a two-story, 7,520 square foot warehouse adjacent to its former warehouse which then was reconfigured for increased production which requires additional grain. The distillery purchased machinery and equipment which allows the finished product to age and mature on site. That enabled the distillery to increase full time employment from seven to 14 employees, providing jobs for veterans and low- and moderate-income individuals.
Founded by Eugene Marra in 2013, Cooperstown Distillery produces hand-crafted artisanal spirits sourced by grains grown by local farmers. The distillery won a gold medal in the 2017 Denver International Spirits Competition and 50 other awards in the past five years. Steady growth brought about a need to expand its warehouse and production facility at 11 Railroad Avenue.
The expansion was supported with a $100,000 award from New York State’s Community Development Block Grant program and an $85,000 construction grant from Empire State Development.