ELIZABETHTOWN — A 155-year-old structure continues to function, but as a modern hub intended for creativity as well as to be utilized as a community venue.

Dubbed “a true blueprint for rural revitalization and innovation in action,” the Old Pharmacy Development Project currently includes three ventures: Solace Cycles, Drifters Loaf Bakery and the Elizabethtown Beverage Company. In addition, it contains a flexible co-working space.

Svetlana Filipson, director of the Adirondack Innovation Initiative, opened a recent tour by saying, “This is all about innovation. I think this is great for the community by providing a multi-use space.”

“Six hundred people come to Elizabethtown on a daily basis,” Aaron Woolf, who co-partners the OPDP with Jori Wekin, said. “This is a blue-collar town, not a tourist destination. We want to attract new residents. We are starting to see high school graduates going out and then coming back. This project is tied with that end.

“I have seen some 200 towns and villages. A lot were struggling, and boarded up. A measure of success used to be how many people were shown on sidewalk photos. Towns gave tax breaks, but that didn’t always work. What were a handful of towns doing to succeed? Some built bike trails and improved infrastructure. The lifestyle attracts young people.

“Mountain biking saved a town in Oregon. Now we are getting back to biking. We are not Aspen or Sun Valley. People want places to hang out. A film shot in Minnesota has bike scenes with people drinking coffee and beer. I thought, ‘Oh, my God, we need to do something like this in Elizabethtown.'”

Discussing the reconstruction, Woolf added, “We saved every stick of wood we found that could be repurposed.”

Many old beams, showing that they were hand-hewn, were utilized. For the most part, they are exposed, which adds to the ambience.

Concerning Solace Cycles, Woolf commented, “Jeff Allott had a vision for Adirondack Mt. bikes that could go over roots and rocks. He wanted a bad ass mountain bike. He also has gravel and touring bikes. They can be custom-made and be fitted to the rider. The shop can also repair bikes, whether they be expensive or a Schwinn.”

While dispensing samples to those in attendance, Wekin explained the brewery, which, for the most part, will serve non-alcoholic beverages such as kombucha.

“Think about bubbly water and non alcoholic cider,” she said. “It will be fermented and flavor-enhanced.”

Some of the flavors will be blueberry and cherry. Along with the beverages, she added, there will be “simple food and grab-and-go made in a commercial kitchen.” Another idea under consideration is the creation of a sports drink.

Touring the upstairs, Woolf showed a currently empty space that could be adapted to “a place for co-workers which could be used for a think-tank. There will be tools for start-ups, graphic design and a film studio.” In addition, it could become a community room for 30 to 40 people. He referred to architect Christopher Alexander’s concept of small spaces opening up to bigger spaces.

Another aspect of the building will be Drifters Loaf Bakery, run by Courtney Marvin, which Woolf indicated may be open as early as November 1. There will be a grain mill for locally grown produce to be incorporated into the bakery’s products.

History: Known as the Pleasant Valley Pharmacy, the earliest section of the structure was erected by Byron A. Perry in the early 1870s, with additions added around 1885. Lawton Metcalfe opened a drugstore in 1925, which he occupied until 1967. Other owners included pharmacist John Bottiroli and Terry Griffin. Pharmacist William Delahant enlarged the structure in 1997. Kinney Drugs then took over the facility until they built their present structure in 2000.

Cynthia Reinmann renovated the store area, utilizing her artistic talents and turned it into a gift shop called The Olde Farmacy. Finding old bottles and apothecary implements, as well as a “Record of Poisons Sold” ledger, she set aside a section to display these items.

Several years later, Tracey Sayre operated Designs by Tracey, a florist business which continued until the property was purchased by Woolf.

Located at 7567 Court St. (Routes 9 and 9N), Elizabethtown, Solace Cycles is open from noon to 6 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

For information on usage and/or rental of The Pharmacy, contact Wekin or Woolf at pharmacybldg@gmail.com.