The historic Wellington Hotel project in Pine Hill—led by local residents and the nonprofit RUPCO—has been awarded $700,000 through Ulster County’s Housing Action Fund to support the creation of 10 affordable rental units within the 19th-century landmark.
The funding, approved Oct. 21 by the Ulster County Legislature as part of a $3.15 million round for seven housing initiatives, marks a major milestone for the Wellington’s revival. Plans call for five units priced at 60 percent of the area median income and five at 80 percent, blending affordability with historic preservation.
“This $3.15 million investment will directly create and preserve 185 housing units across Ulster County—from emergency beds in Kingston to restored historic units at the Wellington Hotel in Pine Hill,” said Legislature Chair Peter Criswell. “These projects represent real solutions for real people.”
The Wellington’s rehabilitation began as a grassroots effort in 2022, when 20 Pine Hill residents pooled funds to buy the long-vacant hotel and partnered with RUPCO to turn it into affordable housing, a café, and a small market. The group has since cleared debris, completed structural reports, and secured a $1.6 million Restore NY grant through the county.
“We are thrilled to be part of this Ulster County initiative and grateful to RUPCO for its hard work building the capital stack we need to develop this project,” said project officer Jan Jaffe.
“These seven projects represent a diverse and thoughtful mix of housing solutions — from senior housing and supportive units to youth emergency shelter and permanently affordable rentals—and reflect our commitment to meeting the diverse housing needs of Ulster County residents,” said County Executive Jen Metzger.
Construction is slated to begin in June, 2026 and, when finished, will provide 10 apartments and new community spaces in the heart of Shandaken’s historic district.