SILVER CREEK, N.Y -- As the saying goes, “Life takes you down many paths, but our favorite ones lead us to the beach.” From surf to sand, summer vibes were all around as developers and area officials gathered for the long-anticipated groundbreaking of the new Hideaway Bay Resort development in the Village of Silver Creek.
Along the scenic Lake Erie and Walnut Creek shores of the well-known former Hideaway Bay Restaurant, site transformation was already visibly underway with heavy equipment on location. Brush and debris were removed in recent days, leaving the site impeccably primed for the new development project.
The Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce kicked things off, followed by a project overview by the new owners and remarks provided by area representatives.
Kevin Cullen, one of the owner/developers, described the future setting which will include 10 cottages, also known as “glamping units,” with high-end décor; private patio space; and stunning waterfront views. A new 2-story event space will be built to host events such as weddings and retreats, with upper and lower patios, and an indoor/outdoor full-service bar. Proximity to the shoreline has been incorporated into the structural design and engineering.
Cullen noted an active and healthy living design will be incorporated to showcase the scenic natural beauty along with world-class recreation, fishing, and birdwatching opportunities.
Four seasons of diverse world-class active and passive recreation opportunities will now be available. The owners have been operating SUP Erie Adventures at Sunset Bay for 8 years, and will provide watersports such as paddleboarding and kite boarding along with an active recreation center and a natural kayak launch, in-house fishing guides, and educational birding events. Hideaway Bay Resort will also book other off-site activities and excursions such as horseback riding, snowmobiling, skiing, kiteboarding, and more.
Describing the location as the site of a very popular former restaurant and hangout, Mark Geise, Deputy County Executive for Economic Development and Chief Executive Officer of the County of Chautauqua Industrial Development Agency (CCIDA) explained that the building had fallen into disrepair, was foreclosed on by the County for non-payment of back taxes, and was eventually acquired by the Chautauqua County Land Bank. Then marketed for years, Geise said of the current developers, “They understood the value of the lake front space adjacent to the mouth of a Lake Erie tributary stream and envisioned a modern approach to resort based tourism with the construction of a glamping resort. The unique addition to our ecotourism infrastructure will directly benefit the overall tourism industry, which remains a top employer in the County. The Chautauqua County Land bank held the property in order to assist in returning it to a productive use, which meets community and County goals.” Geise is also a founding member and current Vice Chairman of the Land Bank.
“The Lake Erie shoreline in Chautauqua County is a major tourism and recreation asset. The Village of Silver Creek, the Town of Hanover, and nearby businesses have embraced it, and this Resort project will greatly contribute to the draw of our lake shore. Congratulations to the developers - they exude lake life culture.” said Chautauqua County Executive, P.J. Wendel.
Multi-faceted assistance was provided to support the new investment and job creation, including CCIDA financing and tax incentives; Chautauqua County Land Bank site coordination and transfer, along with navigating an unexpected arson and demolition; New York Small Business Development Center at JCC business advisement; and New York Housing and Community Renewal loans facilitated by the Chautauqua Region Economic Development Corporation in coordination with The Harrison Studio of Lockport.
Kevin Cullen, resort owner and developer said, "We couldn't be more grateful for the collaborative efforts put forth by Chautauqua County, the CCIDA, the Village of Silver Creek, the Land Bank, and New York State, which together are making this transformative project a reality at one of the most beautiful beaches and shorelines on Lake Erie. Our combined efforts are building a lasting destination where people can come to feel close to nature, relax, and celebrate life's momentous occasions. We look forward to serving the Village of Silver Creek, Chautauqua County, Western New York, and visitors to this wonderful region."
The Village of Silver Creek has been working collaboratively with community stakeholders and the company throughout the approval process. Mayor Hornburg said, “The Village of Silver Creek has been excited to see equipment on site as the Hideaway Bay property redevelopment gets underway. We’ve been working with the CCIDA, the Land Bank, the developer, and others for several years, and welcome this new lakeside destination in our community.”
The Chautauqua County Land Bank was entrusted by the County Legislature with redevelopment of the site to ensure a positive outcome. In partnership with the CCIDA and County Department of Planning and Development, they sought out developers with a suitable plan for the location that would be beneficial for the community. Gina Paradis, Chautauqua County Land Bank Executive Director, said, “We couldn’t be happier with the impending development here. It has been a long process, but the Hideaway Bay Resort team has patiently followed through and demonstrated their capabilities and environmental stewardship at every step.” Paradis continued, “We are confident that this will be a great addition to the Eco-Tourism experiences available here in Chautauqua County.“
Construction will begin within a week or so, and barring any unforeseen obstacles, the resort is expected to be open for business in May 2024, just in time for the summer season.
Life is always better at the beach.
For more information on the Hideaway Bay Resort, visit their website at www.hideawaybayresortny.com. They are also on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085552209664 and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/hideawaybayresort/ (@hideawaybayresort).
