Emerson Hospitality has acquired Black Creek Barns with plans to redevelop the former agricultural complex in Esopus, N.Y., into a 70‑room destination resort.
The project combines adaptive reuse with new construction and is positioned as a craft‑ and experience‑driven property in the Hudson Valley, which is roughly 90 miles north of New York City. The 153-acre site borders the John Burroughs Black Creek Trail, part of a 2,000‑acre protected natural area. The estate was once owned by Colonel Oliver Hazard Payne and designed by Julian Burroughs, son of conservationist John Burroughs.
The Emerson, N.Y.-based hospitality company plans to restore six historic structures and add newly built cabins and suites, bringing the total room count to 70. Construction is underway, with the resort scheduled to open in late 2027. Emerson cited a limited supply of luxury accommodations in the market as a key driver for the project.
“Black Creek Barns is a once‑in‑a‑generation opportunity to create a destination shaped by history, landscape and community,” Jordan Goldberg, principal and CEO of Emerson Hospitality, said in a statement. “It is a privilege to work with the Town of Esopus to reimagine this historic campus as a resort and gathering place that combines craft, nature, wellness and hospitality in a new way for the Hudson Valley.”
Planned amenities include a 7,000‑square‑foot indoor event hall, a 9,000‑square‑foot craft and design center, two food‑and‑beverage venues, a greenhouse‑style wellness center with fitness and hydrotherapy facilities and an outdoor cliffside pool. Retail and exhibition space, walking trails and family‑ and pet‑friendly features are also part of the program.
The development is backed by a $38 million financing package arranged by IPA Capital Markets. The capital stack includes a $19 million construction loan from The LCP Group and a $19 million C‑PACE facility provided by Imperial Ridge Real Estate Capital and PACE Loan Group.
C‑PACE proceeds will be used to fund high‑efficiency building systems and sustainability upgrades, including energy‑efficient windows, HVAC and water systems, lighting, kitchen equipment and pool and spa infrastructure. Prefabricated cabins from B&B Micro Manufacturing are intended to reduce site impact, and R.L. Baxter Building Corp. will serve as general contractor.