Enjoying one of the largest drives for economic redevelopment in the county, Peekskill has been seeing a massive influx of new luxury and affordable housing over the past year. One of the biggest draws for the community — and one of the biggest necessities to support its newest residents — is the availability of shopping and entertainment within walking distance.
One of these new developments, the mixed-use Lofts on Main community, is beginning to bear fruit. Last quarter saw the arrival of The Evolution Gallery, a local art and crafts shop, on the ground floor of the complex’s first building, along Main Sreet. Now, two more businesses are moving into the retail space, and they’ve got some serious local roots.
Read more: The Return of Peekskill
Ty’s Bread Basket BakeShop just held its soft-opening the weekend before Christmas. (A grand opening ceremony is being planned for Saturday, January 26.) The brightly lit, upbeat bakery sells fresh-made breads, bagels, muffins, and assorted breakfast pastries, but also specialty desserts such as custom cakes, pies, cookies, cheesecakes and more. Feel like a blueberry cake donut this morning? Lemon poppy seed muffin? Cinnamon roll? Everything bagel with cream cheese? How about a gluten-free red velvet cupcake and some rustic sourdough to have with dinner?
Owner and baker Keisha Hudson won Best of Hudson Valley in 2014 with the gluten-free cupcakes at her previous venture, Luscious Cupcakery in Newburgh, so you already know she’s got the pedigree to impress.
On the opposite side of the building, space is currently being worked on for a newly announced “mini-market” from Green’s Natural Foods. The recently revamped “Mrs. Green’s” brand has put out a big push recently, prepping its fifth location in Somers’ new Crossroad Shopping center and now announcing the pioneering Peekskill location.
What makes the space so groundbreaking for the 100 percent organic grocer? For starters, the smaller location will emphasize convenience for the city’s shoppers: Besides offering individual portions of prepared foods (like soups from Bronxville’s Ladle of Love), produce and dry goods will be sold in smaller quantities more appropriate to local shoppers and busy home chefs.
“It’s more cost-effective to the consumer and more environmentally friendly,” says Green’s Natural Foods’ Senior Director of Human Resources Laura-Sue Boggi.
Other industry-leading innovations will include a membership program with some legitimately mind-bending perks: Aside from a 10% discount and exclusive access to cooking classes and other events featuring local and regional vendors and chefs, members will receive key-fob access to the market, allowing for 24/7 self checkout.
“I think it’s a really compelling concept, certainly pioneering,” Boggi says. “There’s a lot of interest in ‘eat-to-live/play’ type buildings, and communities are really where things are going. I think it’s a great amenity for both the community and the residents.” Building residents, especially, will have reason to cheer, as a Green’s Natural yearly membership (normally $100) will come free with their leases.
Green’s Natural Mini-Market is slated to open in the first quarter of 2019.
