A once-abandoned church on Dubois Street is getting a second life as a new community hub in the City of Newburgh.

Albert Mizrahi and his partner purchased the church four years ago with a vision: to create a space that brings people together. Today, that vision is becoming reality with the opening of The Ellis, a venue designed to host diverse events and support local entrepreneurs.

“We wanted to open doors in the heart of the city,” Mizrahi said.

Named after Ellis Island, The Ellis celebrates Newburgh’s rich cultural diversity. The space features a stage and open floor plan, welcoming everything from performances and art shows to community meetings and pop-up markets.

“It’s a stage it’s open to anyone’s interpretation,” Mizrahi added.

But the transformation doesn’t stop there. Mizrahi and his team plan to expand the space by removing interior walls to make room for small businesses, especially first-time food entrepreneurs looking for a place to launch.

“We’re going to knock these walls down and open it up for businesses,” he said. “We want to help small business owners get their start.”

The Ellis is part of a growing movement to revitalize Newburgh by investing in its people and places. What was once a symbol of neglect is now a beacon of opportunity.