Learn More About Downtown Gloversville

Downtown Gloversville is located in the heart of Gloversville, New York, within Fulton County in the southern Adirondack region. The downtown district centers around North and South Main Street, stretching roughly from E. Fulton Street to Fremont Street, with key cross streets like Bleecker Street and E. Fulton Street forming the city’s historic “Four Corners.” This area is home to Gloversville’s main shops, restaurants, and cultural landmarks—including the Glove Theatre, Gloversville Public Library, and Trail Station Park—and serves as the hub for community events, festivals, and revitalization efforts within the city.

Downtown Gloversville hosts a lively calendar of community events throughout the year that celebrate local culture, food, and creativity. Annual favorites include the Southern Adirondack Wine & Food Festival, Rail Fest, Bacon & Brew Fest, and Fall Fest, all featuring live music, vendors, and family-friendly fun. Seasonal traditions like the Farmers Market, Summer Concert Series, and Movies in the Park bring residents together during the warmer months, while winter highlights include the Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting and holiday activities downtown. The Glove Theatre and Dorn Space also host regular performances, film screenings, and arts events, keeping Gloversville’s downtown vibrant year-round.

Downtown Gloversville features a diverse mix of locally owned businesses that reflect the city’s creative and entrepreneurial spirit. Visitors can enjoy a variety of restaurants, cafés, and diners, along with boutique shops offering clothing, gifts, home décor, and specialty items. The area is also home to salons, barbershops, and wellness services, as well as professional offices for banking, insurance, and printing. Artisan workshops and small-scale manufacturers keep Gloversville’s maker tradition alive, while art galleries, performance venues, and the historic Glove Theatre add cultural vibrancy. Together, these businesses create a lively, walkable downtown that blends craftsmanship, community, and local flavor.

Downtown Gloversville is rich with history, arts, and culture, offering a mix of attractions that showcase the city’s past and creative spirit. Visitors can explore the Downtown Historic District with its beautifully preserved architecture, stop by the Glove Theatre for live shows and films, and view local art at the Micropolis Cooperative Art Gallery. History buffs will enjoy the Fulton County Museum, the New York State Baseball Hall of Fame, and the Gloversville Free Library, a stunning Carnegie building. The Dorn Space hosts music, comedy, and community events, while Trail Station Park and the FJ&G Rail Trail provide scenic outdoor spaces just steps from Main Street. Together, these destinations make downtown Gloversville a vibrant blend of heritage, creativity, and small-city charm.

Gloversville, New York, is best known for its rich industrial heritage as the former “glove-making capital of the world.” From the late 1800s through much of the 20th century, the city was a global center for the leather and glove industry, producing high-quality gloves that were shipped around the world. That craftsmanship legacy remains a point of pride and has inspired the city’s name, identity, and even its cultural revival.

Today, Gloversville is recognized for its historic downtown architecture, arts and cultural resurgence, and its location at the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains, offering easy access to outdoor recreation. The community has embraced its creative side with local galleries, the restored Glove Theatre, and public art initiatives, while ongoing revitalization efforts are transforming it into a hub for small businesses, artists, and entrepreneurs.

Downtown Gloversville boasts a variety of dining options to suit all tastes. You’ll find everything from classic diners and cafés to specialty eateries, pubs, and bakeries — all within walking distance of Main Street. Popular spots include Sage & Cedar Café, The Brass Monkey, Adirondack Soul Company, Mohawk Harvest, Harold’s Restaurant, and The Railyard.

Downtown Gloversville offers several parking options for visitors. You can find street parking along Main Street and adjacent streets, as well as public parking lots located at key points throughout the downtown area. Some popular parking lots include those near the Glove Theatre, Trail Station Park, The Brass Monkey restaurant, and St. Thomas Square. Parking is generally free but be sure to check for any time restrictions or special event regulations.

The Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) is a state-funded program aimed at revitalizing downtown areas across New York State, including Gloversville. The initiative focuses on enhancing the economic vitality of downtown districts through strategic investments in infrastructure, public spaces, and local businesses. In Gloversville, the DRI has funded projects such as streetscape improvements, façade renovations, and the development of new community spaces, all designed to attract visitors, support local businesses, and improve the quality of life for residents. The City of Gloversville and the Fulton County Center for Regional Growth are working together through the Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) to restore historic buildings, attract new businesses, and create more spaces for arts, culture, and community gatherings.

Follow Downtown Gloversville on social media or visit downtowngloversville.org for news, events, and opportunities to participate in community initiatives.

Very! The district’s compact layout makes it easy to walk between restaurants, shops, parks, and event spaces.

You can find local food products at the Mohawk Harvest Cooperative Market. It is a food co-op focused on healthy eating and supporting local farmers and producers.

• Location: 51 North Main St., Gloversville, NY 12078.

GloveCity Leather Goods LLC: They produce gloves and other leather accessories. You can purchase their items locally at 44 Lakes Customized Gifts & Décor (15 N. Main St.). They also sell online at glovecitygoods.etsy.com.

Jones and Naudin Leather / Booth + Co.: This company has been in business since 1894 and offers a variety of leather goods. While it is located at 87 South Main Street, Gloversville, NY 12078, shoppers can order from its online catalog at boothandco.com

Downtown Gloversville has evolved from a historic industrial powerhouse to a revitalizing cultural center.

• Historical Peak: Settled in the 1790s, it grew into the North American glove manufacturing hub by the early 20th century, producing up to 90% of leather dress gloves. Most downtown buildings were constructed between 1870 and 1900 in the Italianate architectural style.

• Recent Revitalization: Since being awarded $10 million in Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) funding in 2021, the area has focused on preservation and renewal. Key projects include:

  • Renovating Schine Memorial Hall into a cultural arts center.

  • Transforming public spaces like St. Thomas Square and South Main Street Piazza.

  • Expanding Trail Station Park.

  • Developing Glove City Lofts, which will offer mixed-income apartments and an art gallery.

You can explore local art at several locations:

• Schine Memorial Hall: Focuses on arts and culture and promotes local artists. The Schine Gallery is located on the third floor.

  • Location: 26-40 North Main Street.

• Micropolis Art Gallery: Features original works by local and area artists.

  • Location: Inside the Mohawk Harvest Cooperative Market at 30 North Main Street.

• The Glove Gallery (Coming Soon): This gallery, administered by the Glove Cities Arts Alliance, will be located at the Glove City Lofts (52 Church Street).

• Beginnings & Naming: The industry began around 1809, and by 1828, the settlement was officially named Gloversville to reflect its growing focus on glove production.

• Peak of the Industry (1880–1950): Following the Civil War, the industry boomed, making Gloversville the hub of American glove manufacturing. The city produced most of the country's leather and nearly all its gloves, shipping millions worldwide. Historically, men cut the leather in factories, while women sewed the gloves by hand at home.

Live music can be found at several downtown venues:

• The Glove Theatre (42 N. Main St.)

• Dorn Space (99 N. Main St.)

• Gloversville Farmers Market

• Various local restaurants and cafes

• The Summer Concert Series by the Gloversville Civic Band in Trail Station Park.

Check out 44 Lakes Customized Gifts & Décor.

• Highlights: It's an Adirondack-style vendor-filled gift shop that includes customizable gifts. They also offer craft workshops for all ages.

• Location: 15 North Main Street, Gloversville, NY 12078.

Here are a few eateries (You can find a complete guide at www.downtowngloversville.org/eateries):

1. Harold’s Restaurant & Lounge

• Cuisine: American

• Highlights: Known for its friendly staff, great food, and wide variety of top-notch dishes, including homemade desserts.

• Location: 176 W. Fulton St.

• Phone: (518) 725-9018

2. Adirondack Soul Company

• Cuisine: Southern

• Highlights: Offers comfort food like baked chicken, barbecue ribs, meatloaf, and vegan chili in a relaxing atmosphere.

• Location: 60 N. Main St.

• Phone: (518) 290-1182

• Hours: Mon–Wed: 11 a.m.–8 p.m.

3. Sage & Cedar Café

• Cuisine: Specialty bowls and customized sandwiches

• Highlights: A new eatery offering unique and healthy dining options.

• Location: 33 N. Main St.

• Website: sageandcedarcafe.com

4. The Brass Monkey

• Cuisine: American

• Highlights: A cozy spot offering a variety of dishes, open Thursday through Saturday evenings.

• Location: 52 Cayadutta St.

• Phone: (518) 725-4880

5. The Railyard

• Cuisine: American

• Highlights: A restaurant offering a variety of dishes in a casual setting.

• Location: 97 W. Fulton St.

• Phone: (518) 921-4044

Gloversville’s 2025 Business Growth: A City on the Rise

Gloversville is experiencing strong business momentum in 2025, fueled by new investments, downtown revitalization projects, and a growing spirit of entrepreneurship.

Downtown Transformation

Major redevelopment efforts are reshaping the heart of Gloversville. As part of New York State’s $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative, several key projects were completed in 2025 — including upgrades to Schine Memorial Hall, improvements at Trail Station Park, and new public spaces such as St. Thomas Square and the Downtown Piazza. The Glove City Lofts, a 75-unit mixed-income residential project, is also nearing completion and adding much-needed housing downtown.

Business Expansion and Job Growth

Local companies are gaining national attention. Veterans Holdings of Gloversville — a veteran-owned cannabis enterprise founded by Jason Ambrosino — was recognized among the fastest-growing private businesses in the U.S. this year, achieving a three-year growth rate exceeding 2,800%. The company’s success highlights Gloversville’s potential for innovation-driven job creation.

Economic Development Leadership

The Fulton County Center for Regional Growth (CRG) continues to play a pivotal role in business recruitment and expansion. Through site development, financial assistance, and business support services, CRG’s work has helped attract new investment and encourage local entrepreneurship.

Rising Demand for Housing

Fulton County’s latest housing study shows a need for more than 560 new homes and apartments, underscoring steady population growth and renewed confidence in the region’s future. These trends reflect the combined impact of new job opportunities, improved quality of life, and targeted economic development strategies.

Together, these milestones mark 2025 as a year of visible progress for Gloversville — one defined by business growth, revitalization, and a strong community focus.

• 44 Lakes Customized Gifts & Decor: Offers home decor and customizable gifts, plus craft workshops.

· * Dundays: Men’s clothing and accessories

• Gloversville True Value: A hardware store for tools and home improvement needs.

• Mohawk Harvest Coop. Market: A community-owned grocery and coffee shop focusing on healthy, local products.

• Rossbach Shoe Store: A dedicated footwear store.

• Two of Cups Couture: An eco-conscious bridal and formal dress boutique

• Adirondack Stained Glass Works: Has the latest selection of quality-stained glass in the East

To purchase tickets for events at the Glove Theatre, visit www.theglovetheatre.com/upcoming-events. Click on the event you're interested in, and follow the link to buy tickets through www.ticketstripe.com.