LIBERTY – The iconic Grossinger’s Resort in Liberty, said to be the inspiration for “Dirty Dancing,” has been sold to a developer out of Florida. 

According to its website, PPG Development is one of South Florida’s leading real estate developers, primarily focusing on building and managing high-end residential and hospitality projects. They could not be reached for comment by presstime. 

Not much stands at the property now, after the resort closed in 1986, was demolished in 2017, and succumbed to fire in 2022. 

One of the jewels of the property, however, is the Big G, an 18-hole championship golf course, which has been maintained but not open to the public.

The course played host to the New York State Open for many years in the 1980s and many other high-calibre golf tournaments as well as accommodating guests. With its signature Lake and Valley nines, the course was noted for its impressive layout and the famous “island green.”

The resort also has an additional nine-hole course, called The Vista.

Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development President and CEO Marc Baez said PPG purchased both parcels, owned by Louis Cappelli and Muss Development. The purchase price for both parcels was approximately $14.75 million.

“We have been working with them [PPG] for 18 months, helping to facilitate not only the purchase but the development as well,” said Baez. “We think once this project gets underway the construction jobs alone will bring economic prosperity to Liberty and of course much more once the project is completed.” 

Baez added that this will be a “game changer” for Liberty, bringing jobs, investment and tax ratables that haven’t been coming from that property for quite some time. He said this will add to the momentum that is already ongoing in the town, including renovations on downtown buildings including the Liberty Theater, securing a grant for a $21 million sewer infrastructure upgrade for Old Route 17, and the potential of Garnet Health Catskills relocating there.

“This will bring in new people that will enjoy that destination,” he said. 

Town of Liberty Supervisor Frank DeMayo told the Democrat that the developers of the project haven’t come before the town board or planning board yet. 

“I hope it’s a really good project, we can use it in Liberty,” DeMayo said. “It’s good to see some activity up there, it’s been a long time.”

The Sullivan County Industrial Development Agency confirmed to the Democrat that they haven’t received any application or correspondence from PPG thus far. 

A storied history 

Grossinger’s Resort was a major part of the Borscht Belt era during its heyday in Sullivan County, attracting some 150,000 guests a year at its height.

Marisa Scheinfeld, founder of the Borscht Belt Historical Marker Project, and photographer Isaac Jeffreys say they hope to add a marker to the property if they get the go-ahead, culminating the trail there. 

“We are thrilled by the prospect of something new taking shape at the iconic Grossinger’s,” they said in a statement. “The essence of the Borscht Belt is unmistakable the moment you step onto the property. We look forward to seeing the site’s full potential realized and the hotel’s legacy honored in the process.”

Founded around 1914 by Asher Selig Grossinger, the resort operated for nearly 72 years.

Asher’s daughter, Jennie Grossinger, was a moving force behind the resort’s growth and her children, Paul and Elaine Grossinger Etess, operated the hotel following Jennie’s death in 1972.

The resort, at one time, had 35 buildings and 1,200 acres.