By Max Oppen
TANNERSVILLE - A new project is taking shape on State Route 23A between Hunter and Tannersville that promises to fill a much-needed niche for local artisans and residents alike. Tentatively called Maker's Way, the planned development includes an artist co-op with retail space and several climate-controlled public storage units.
The project will include three 5,000-square-foot buildings. one building will be for retail with garage bays below available to the business owners above or new businesses.
Spearheaded by local entrepreneur Ryan Chadwick—owner of Fred's Coffee & Donuts, Kaaterskill Trolley, and the soon-to-open wedding venue Dutcher's Hollow—the initiative will be adjacent to Fred's and share its charming architectural style. Fred's manager, Kody Leach, said, "The three structures will be built in the same fashion as Fred's, with cedar shake and green trim." The main difference, Chadwick noted, will be the use of tin roofs instead of traditional shingles. "It will not look like a commercial site," both Chadwick and Leach assured.
The development will consist of two distinct but complementary components. Four retail units will be available for lease, designed specifically as maker studios with space for creating and selling goods. Each will sit above garage bays that can be used by tenants or small contractors—plumbers, electricians, landscapers, and others. "It's going to be four makers' studios with art-making space for retailers," said Chadwick. "I'm thinking of arts and crafts studio retail, like candlemakers, leatherworkers, pottery, etc."
Behind the retail studios, the second and third one-story buildings will contain a range of public storage units, some of which will be climate-controlled—something Chadwick says is in short supply on the mountaintop. "People are driving a long distance to find storage," he explained. The units will vary in size depending on demand, ranging from 5x5 to 10x15 feet. Chadwick said he plans to conduct a survey to determine what people need most before finalizing the layout.
Importantly, the property's design will take full advantage of the slope of the mountain, allowing the storage units to be tucked discreetly behind the retail spaces. "Driving by the parcel, commuters will only see the front maker's studios and the roofs of the two separate public storage units," Chadwick said. "It's for aesthetic purposes. They won't resemble your typical storage units."
The idea for Maker's Way came from the same practical mindset that inspired Chadwick to open a donut shop next to Williams Lumber. "The location midway between Hunter and Tannersville just makes sense," he said, “as does the proximity to the lumberyard.
Chadwick has experience in this type of development. In 2023, he opened Snowmass Self Storage in Aspen, Colorado—two 4,000 square foot buildings with 50 units that filled up within 45 days. The buildings were constructed with barnwood siding and were praised for blending seamlessly into the surrounding area. "They integrate nicely in the community," Chadwick said.
With Maker's Way, Chadwick is again demonstrating his knack for identifying what communities need and responding with thoughtful, locally attuned solutions. From functional storage to inviting maker spaces, the project is poised to become a valuable resource for creatives and residents alike. Construction is slated to begin next spring and is anticipated to be completed by the summer of 2027.. Chadwick’s most recent site plan was approved at this week’s Town of Hunter Planning Board.
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