(HUDSON, N.Y.) – Hudson Praxis: Aquarium, Art, and Natural Science Center has launched an indiegogo campaign to help fund the rehabilitation of the Dunn Warehouse as a catalyst for revitalization of the waterfront and supporting element of Hudson’s historic fabric. The initial campaign is intended to raise funds to support professional fees associated with feasibility studies, community based idea/planning sessions, and concept development, all of which are critical to elements to moving forward with the project.
Hudson Praxis is a group of volunteers who are interested in helping to build an aquarium/history museum in Hudson. The group has filed for nonprofit status and is considering potential board members and fundraising strategies. Currently, Hudson Praxis is working to inform the city of its ideas and direction as it moves forward with public outreach, fundraising, press packages, stakeholders conferences, investment presentations, feasibility study, etc.
Dunn Warehouse, Hudson, N.Y.
Hudson Praxis defines its mission as to provide a safe and beautiful space for the public on Hudson’s waterfront and to maintain conservation-based educational programming in the arts and natural sciences. The advantages of rehabilitating the Dunn Warehouse include:
- Adaptive reuse of historic buildings is beautiful, profitable, and sustainable
- Building size & footprint is the right scale for a museum/aquarium in a city of 7,000
- Proximity to the Amtrak train station
- Proximity to the Hudson Estuary
- Proximity to the developing Sloop Club and Basilica Hudson (other nonprofits with which Hudson Praxis would be closely working with through programming)
- Proximity to businesses on Warren Street and the Central Business District
- Proximity to Hudson’s Historic Districts
- Its view of the Hudson Estuary and Catskill Mountains
- The historic significance and location of the building potentially align it with millions of dollars in conservation based grants
The main volunteer coordinators are:
Damara Stolfo (Bar Manager @ Helsinki Hudson)
Sarah Dibben (Owner of Swallow Coffee and accomplished chef)
Other volunteers ready and willing to help (of which there are many)
How the city could profit from this investment and protect itself:
- Sale or lease of property
- Increase and sustainability of tourism
- Clawback agreement
- Inclusion of for profit component in sale or lease contract, square footage to be determined