The Roundhouse

December 22, 2024

Business, Drink, Events, Food, Restaurants

The Roundhouse History – The historic structures on the property were built in the early 1800s and home to many businesses across the last 200 hundred years.

The property was originally part of the Matteawan Manufacturing Company, a textile manufacturer and one of the first factories in Beacon. The property later housed the H.N. Swift Machine Shop, which reportedly manufactured the first lawnmowers in the US. One of last businesses to call the property home was the Braendly Dye Works, which operated as late as the 1970’s.

The rounded shape of our namesake building supposedly supported proper ventilation for the blacksmiths who worked here. Also key to successful production in these factories was the Fishkill Creek and a number of turbines. A massive turbine located in the Roundhouse building was fed from the creek above the falls via a sluiceway that runs parallel to the train tracks and used to power a belt system within the building.

Once a bustling factory complex, the property had fallen into disrepair when big industry left the area.

Overgrown and boarded up for years, a local Beacon family purchased the property in 2010 and a plan to create a vibrant hospitality business was put into action.

Structural engineers suggested that many of the buildings be demolished because of their poor condition, but we were determined to save and restore as much of the original property as possible. In keeping with this commitment to historical preservation, construction teams preserved original windows in the Mill building and the wood beams in the event space, rebuilt the walls of the event space with original bricks, and used reclaimed wood as a design element in the restaurant, hotel hallways and bathrooms. Wherever possible, materials found on the site were repurposed for use.

After an incredible combination of construction, restoration and design, many of the historic buildings on our property were given new life. Working with many local businesses and artisans, we created the new and modern world you find at The Roundhouse today.

Custom tables in our restaurant, light fixtures in the lounge and dining room, beds and desks in the guest rooms, steel fencing, custom tiles, original artwork and even our graphic design work has come from the immense talent pool you’ll find right here in our hometown.

Once in danger of being demolished, The Roundhouse continues to anchor the east end of Beacon as a one-of-a-kind landmark for generations to come. Every day we are proud to open our doors for the enjoyment of Beacon residents and visitors alike.