Cornwall Social

CORNWALL SOCIAL                                 Salisbury, NY

Cornwall Social transforms a former tulip farm in Salisbury Mills, NY, into a vibrant community hub centered around sustainable agriculture, gathering, and landscape restoration. Working from an engineered master plan, River Architects was commissioned to reimagine the existing barns and greenhouse while enhancing the site with shared public spaces, native pollinator gardens, and community-supported agriculture.

As the surrounding community has grown denser, the need for shared social space, wildlife habitat, and productive farmland has become increasingly urgent. The design revitalizes deteriorating structures and depleted soils into a cohesive campus for connection and ecological renewal.

A series of repurposed barns, ranging from 2,500 to 8,000 square feet, will host a café, farm store, and event spaces filled with natural light. The remaining 9,000-square-foot greenhouse will be modernized for year-round food production, while restored landscapes will feature walking paths, wildflower meadows, and organic garden beds. Central gathering spaces will accommodate weddings, markets, and community events, framed by expansive views of Schunnemunk Mountain.

Each building is being upgraded for energy efficiency and comfort, with new high-performance exteriors, continuous insulation, and on-site renewable energy. The design aims to meet Passive standards wherever feasible, blending agricultural heritage with forward-looking sustainability to create a place that nurtures both community and environment.