Beatrice G. Donofrio Complex

Artist’s rendering of the renovations and addition to Dennings Point
Artist’s rendering of the renovations and addition to Dennings Point

Construction has begun on the new Beatrice G. Donofrio Environmental Education Complex at Clarkson’s Beacon Institute for Rivers and Estuaries on Dennings Point in Beacon, NY.

The brand new world-class education and research facility is made possible through the support of the Donofrio family in memory of their mother, Beatrice G. Donofrio. The new complex will empower academic innovation, research, enhance partnerships, and include all stages of the K-12 experience to educate and inspire the next generation of STEM professionals. The goal of the project is to ensure that all learners, regardless of resources or financial capacity, have access to and the ability to embrace the natural environment as a learning classroom. 

The new structure, expected to take two years to complete, will house innovative citizen science laboratories where the public will experience Clarkson’s healthy water initiatives firsthand. It will also serve as headquarters for scientific research on the Hudson River while providing a collaborative space for environmental conferences and professional education.

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FAQs

Is this building being demolished?

No. This is an adaptive reuse project, restoring and repurposing historic brick and steel structures.

What is the timeline?

Estimated Phase I completion is September 2021.

Will this be a residential building?

No. This building will support Clarkson’s Beacon Institute graduate education programs and research as well as public programming including citizen science, P-12 enrichment programs and community outreach.

What were these buildings previously?

The former industrial site was in disuse. These buildings originally housed Denning’s Point Brickworks, then the Noesting Pin Ticket Factory, and the Durisol factory.

When did Dennings Point become a state park?

In 1988, the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) created Denning’s Point Park, now part of Hudson Highlands State Park, which includes Breakneck Ridge, Storm King Mountain, and Bannerman's Island.

Are improvements being made to Dennings Point Park?

Yes. Recent improvements include enhanced accessibility on trails, a rebuilt historic bridge over the Metro-North Railroad tracks, and construction of a bird blind facing the South bay.

In this project, Clarkson is partnering with OPRHP to improve and develop safe, enriching, and universally accessible facilities for public and educational purposes.


 

Does this project increase public visitor safety and access?

Yes. The previous derelict factory site was closed to the public due to unsafe conditions. The new complex is designed to facilitate safe, universal public access.

What are the planned new uses of the site?

New facilities built by Clarkson and OPRHP will provide visitor resources, educational and scientific programs, and public outdoor spaces to access and enjoy Denning’s Point Park.

Does this project expand the site?

No. New facilities are being constructed within the existing building footprint.

Will public parking change for Dennings Point Park?

No. The closest public parking lot will continue to be located by the gated entrance at the Beacon Water Treatment Plant.

Is additional parking part of the new site plan?

Yes. Consistent with other parking areas inside the park, additional parking for this building project is required by law, and will provide improved access for people with limited mobility, parents with small children and occasional special events.

Will car traffic in the park greatly increase?

No. The park access road will continue to be gated, allowing only authorized vehicles. 

Is the trail to the bird blind closed?

Yes. To ensure public safety and preserve access for construction, the fence has been located at a minimum distance from the site.