Transforming Space in New York’s Hudson Valley: A Leasing Success Story at Hudson Valley Plaza

Hudson Valley Plaza, located 100 miles north of Manhattan in Kingston, New York, is one of Ulster County’s premier retail destinations. When the center faced a significant anchor vacancy, it required strategic thinking, speed, and creativity to resolve. Large-format vacancies rarely have a one-size-fits-all solution, and this situation was no exception. What followed demonstrates how thoughtful leasing strategy and market agility can turn a challenge into a long-term win for both ownership and the surrounding community. In a market defined by a mix of full-time residents, weekend visitors, and seasonal tourism, maintaining a strong, experiential anchor is critical to sustaining traffic and supporting long-term center performance.

A Critical Anchor Vacancy

When Gander Mountain vacated its Hudson Valley location, it left behind more than a dark storefront. It created a significant anchor vacancy within one of Ulster County’s primary retail corridors. Large-format spaces require more than simple backfill. They demand strategic repositioning aligned with today’s retail landscape.

The Asset: A Dominant Retail Corridor Location

Hudson Valley Plaza is a 673,000-square-foot retail center located at 701 Frank Sottile Boulevard in Kingston, NY. Positioned at a signalized intersection along U.S. Route 9W with immediate access to Route 209/199 and the I-87 (NYS Thruway), the property benefits from exceptional visibility and connectivity.

The Strategy: Right-Sizing for Modern Retail

Rather than maintaining an oversized box, we re-evaluated the optimal configuration of the space. By right-sizing the former Gander Mountain footprint, we aligned the asset with current retailer demand for efficient, high-performing layouts. This strategic approach allowed us to secure Dick’s Sporting Goods, which now occupies 52,832 square feet and has officially opened as a premier anchor at the center.

“Much of MCB Real Estate’s retail success is driven by a disciplined approach to pairing national brands with the needs of the surrounding community,” said MCB Principal Drew Gorman. “We don’t just fill space but create a total shopping experience. By selecting retailers that resonate with the local demographic and strategically complement our existing anchors, we maximize asset velocity and create a destination that truly serves the consumer and provides long-term property stability.”

The Value Creation: Unlocking Additional Opportunity

The reconfiguration did more than replace a tenant. It created new value. By demising the original space, we unlocked a 17,418-square-foot high-bay suite featuring 20-foot ceilings . This newly created opportunity provides flexibility to attract fitness, outdoor, or experiential users, further enhancing the merchandising mix and long-term performance of the center.

The addition of Dick’s Sporting Goods reinforces Hudson Valley Plaza as a regional destination. By curating a complementary mix of national anchors and experiential retail, the center continues to drive traffic, increase dwell time, and support long-term asset stability. This approach reflects a disciplined leasing strategy focused on aligning retailer demand with community needs, maximizing both consumer relevance and investment performance.

From Vacancy to Value

This project demonstrates how proactive leasing, strategic space planning, and market insight can transform a vacancy into a high-performing asset. By combining strong fundamentals with thoughtful execution, Hudson Valley Plaza stands as a clear example of how to create durable value for investors, tenants, and the surrounding community.

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Hudson Valley Plaza Leasing Brochure