Riverstone Manor Schenectady , NY

Nestled along the scenic banks of the Mohawk River, River Stone Manor has long been a destination for elegant gatherings. Its story begins with the site’s original Italianate farmhouse, dating to the early 1800s, a structure whose black-and-white motif and timeless character remain touchstones for the property to this day. Over the years, the estate grew to include a ballroom built in the early 2000s, expanding its ability to host celebrations while retaining its charm as a riverfront retreat.
In 2023, Aviva Hospitality Group partnered with Phinney Design Group to reimagine River Stone Manor for a new era of events. The vision was a renovation of the existing ballroom paired with a 2,700-square-foot addition that would serve as a cocktail lounge and flexible event space. The goal was not just to refresh the interiors, but to elevate the venue into a destination where history, modernity, and hospitality seamlessly converge.
Over two years, the design team carefully balanced reverence for the site’s heritage with a bold, forward-looking sensibility. The resulting addition—now known as The Union Room—bookends the existing ballroom with a refined architectural statement. Clad in white nickel gap siding, framed with dark bronze windows, and anchored by Corinthian granite stone, the new structure harmonizes with the historic farmhouse while offering a fresh interpretation of its classic palette. The porte cochere provides an elegant point of arrival, while redesigned landscaping and pathways connect parking, patios, and entryways with grace and ease.
Inside, the transformation is equally striking. The ballroom, once dated, was infused with light and energy through acoustically sensitive finishes, new flooring and wallcoverings, and modern yet timeless chandeliers and sconces. A natural stone fireplace now serves as a dramatic focal point and ceremonial backdrop, while a movable partition and smart circulation solutions allow the venue to host ceremonies, cocktail hours, and receptions in quick succession without overlap. The reconfigured spaces, including a dedicated wedding suite with an accessible restroom, allow events to unfold entirely indoors when desired, offering unmatched flexibility.
The Union Room addition extends the venue’s versatility, with soaring coffered ceilings, a custom walnut bar accented with antique mirrored glass and warm brass, and expansive windows that flood the space with natural light. Designed for adaptability, the Union Room effortlessly transitions from a lively cocktail lounge to an intimate setting for showers, milestone celebrations, or private gatherings. Its presence not only elevates the Manor’s offerings but also creates a cohesive architectural dialogue between past and present.
The result is a venue reborn: one that honors its Italianate origins, embraces its 21st-century evolution, and positions River Stone Manor as a premier destination for celebrations on the Mohawk. Phinney Design Group is proud to have collaborated with Aviva Hospitality Group on this transformation, a project that seamlessly weaves history, landscape, and architecture into a setting worthy of life’s most memorable moments.