For years, the massive historic Hilton Barn stood as a landmark of Albany County’s agricultural heritage and a preservation puzzle. Built in 1898 by Frank Osterhout for the Joseph Hilton Farm, the staggering 60-foot-wide, 60-foot-tall, and 120-foot-long four-level structure was originally designed to store hay and produce. When redevelopment plans for the original farmstead put the structure in danger of demolition in 2015, ownership was conveyed to the Town of New Scotland.

Thaler Reilly Wilson Architecture & Preservation (TRW) partnered with the Town to develop and execute a comprehensive preservation strategy to save the landmark by moving it intact.

Beginning in 2016, TRW assisted the Town in orchestrating the monumental physical move of the building across Route 85A to a new foundation adjacent to the original Hilton farmhouse and the Albany County Helderberg-Hudson Rail Trail. Subsequent phases focused on stabilizing the historic timber frame and replacing the 120-year-old slate roof.

The project now marks a major milestone. Recent celebrations included a ribbon-cutting event to signal the completion of exterior envelope restoration and the creation of a new mechanical room, restrooms, and a multi-purpose gallery at the south end of the structure. These upgrades coincide with the broader transformation of the project site into a vibrant community park.

Realized through state and municipal grants, the multi-phase project reflects careful coordination with the Helderberg-Hudson Rail Trail to ensure a sustainable public site for generations to come. With built-in flexibility for future public-private partnerships or privately-held management, the Hilton Barn stands ready to serve the community in its next chapter.