Iron Smoke Whiskey
Iron Smoke Whiskey
About the Project
Iron Smoke Whiskey, founded in 2011, is a small-batch craft distillery. Enjoying success, the distillery needed a larger location. Working with Fairport Local Development Corporation, a suitable site was identified, and Iron Smoke relocated to the Fairport location in 2014. The project was assisted with a low-interest loan for renovations, build-out costs, fixtures, and equipment. The total project cost was $850,000.
In 2018 in order to meet demand which had grown exponentially up and down the eastern coast of the United States, Iron Smoke needed to acquire additional equipment to improve efficiencies in grain handling, bottling, and production. The total cost of the project was $380,000.
The FLDC provided a $150,000 fixed low interest rate term loan for the equipment. FLDC also brought in their partners at the Monroe County Industrial Development Corporation to provide additional funding. This expansion has created valuable manufacturing jobs in the village, with employment nearly tripling.
About the Distillery
Iron Smoke opened their Fairport distilling location in 2014. The second largest distillery in New York State, Iron Smoke has won numerous awards and accolades since opening. In addition to award winning spirits, in 2018 the distillery expanded to include a fully licensed bar and live music and events venue.
Success Stories
The Cannery
The long-vacant 62,000 square-foot former can factory and 42,000 square-foot industrial building that dominated the north side of the village were impediments to the revitalization of Fairport.
Sterling West
What began as a simple façade improvement project in 2004, resulted in the demolition of 2 buildings and the construction of what has become a signature project in the heart of the Village. The Fairport Urban Renewal Agency supported this project with a $300,000 low-interest loan and a façade grant. The total project cost was $1,200,000.
Fairport Landing
Developed through Urban Renewal programs in the 1970’s, the 120,000 square foot Fairport Landing shopping center had served as a key component of the Village’s commercial corridor. Due to shifting retail trends and lack of investment, the property was experiencing significant vacancy.
Bicentennial Canal Gateway Project
In 2018, the Fairport Industrial Development Agency committed $500,000 to assist with the Fairport Bicentennial Canal Gateway Project which would dramatically transform the banks of the Erie Canal in the heart of the Village. Capitalizing on local assets to create appealing and unique places where people want to live, work and play, the project objectives included improved pedestrian access to the canal, a diversity of recreational opportunities and enhanced connections from the neighborhood to the Main Street corridor.