The Druthers Brewing Company's Clifton Park location is more than just a brewery and restaurant, it is an expansive European-styled family friendly space where the local community is encouraged to gather together to eat, drink, and play.
“We have done a lot of work with Druthers Brewing Company in the past for some of their other locations in central/upstate New York in Saratoga Springs, Albany, and Schenectady. The brewery’s owner had always wanted to do something in Clifton Park, which is kind of a main hub of activity in the region,” Architect John Paone explained. “The owner of Druthers Brewing Company found some land, and really wanted to develop this location into a big statement and build something worthy of the area and provide something that Clifton Park really did not offer at the time, which is a community destination. This location has a brewery and a restaurant, but its more than that, it is a place where you can hang out, gather, and spend time.”
The main barn-inspired building with traditional gambrel roof is a nod to the agricultural history of the region, complimented by the large, landscaped courtyard area which doubles as an outdoor community space, live music venue, and children's play area.
“The outdoor area is where the core idea behind making this a destination really lies. The owner wanted to create a space where people could come to hang out and stay for long durations of time,” John continued. “The outdoor bar, stage, games, gardens etc. were all designed with that idea in mind. There is a children’s play area and other built in family friendly features that you would not typically find in a bar/restaurant as well. It was really a new idea in the area to have a space like that, almost a European concept like a Public House, where people in the community are encouraged to gather.”
"I really enjoy designing timber frame projects because I love wood, and I love working with wood,” John explained. “Wood creates a visceral feeling you can't really achieve with any other material. Unpainted, unstained, natural wood timbers evoke a feeling of home, and creates an inviting atmosphere all on its own."
“The amount of planning that goes into a heavy timber project like this Druthers location is incredible,” John continued. “Just one example is routing out electrical passageways and having everything run before the wall and roof panels were installed. That level of planning and coordination is immensely complicated with a timber building this size, and New Energy Works was right there through the whole thing, did a masterful job planning and coordinating with everyone working on the project.”
“Working with New Energy Works is incredible, just a first-class operation. The team is very knowledgeable in their trade and very willing to work with other partners on a project,” John surmised. “We didn’t even call another company. I was kind of kidding with the owner, but I told him I would not bother calling anyone else because we have worked with New Energy Works in the past on other projects, and this is it!”
Learn more about Druthers:
Druthers Brewing Company | Saratoga Springs | Albany | Schenectady | Clifton Park
See our case study: Druthers Brewing Co. | New Energy Works
Project Credits:
Architect: Paone Architecture, PC
Builder: Munter Enterprises, Inc.
Engineer: Fire Tower Engineered Timber
Photography: Zach Skowronek—Collective Addiction, Courtesy of Druthers Brewing Co.
