Nevele Grande

The Nevele, inaugurated in 1901 by Charles Slutsky, holds a fascinating history shrouded in intrigue. Its very name, 'Nevele,' which intriguingly spells 'eleven' in reverse, has sparked local legends. Some believe it pays homage to the eleven 19th-century school teachers who first stumbled upon the breathtaking waterfall within the confines of this very property. Yet, another tale suggests that Charles Slutsky, the founder himself, may have drawn inspiration from his own family, as he was said to have eleven children.

The Nevele's roots extend deep into the bygone era of the Borscht Belt, affectionately dubbed the 'Yiddish Alps' by Larry King. This colloquial term referred to the once-thriving summer resorts nestled amidst the scenic Catskill Mountains, spanning Sullivan, Orange, and Ulster counties in Upstate New York. In its zenith, up to 500 such resorts catered to a diverse range of guests. These idyllic retreats, along with the Borscht Belt bungalow colonies, played host to New York City's Jewish community from the 1920s through the 1960s. However, by the late 1950s, a gradual decline set in, leading to the closure of many resorts by the 1970s, although a handful persevered, some even into the 1990s.

As the Nevele gained popularity, the property underwent a series of transformations. In the 1920s and 30s, new wings were added, inspired by the iconic Mission Revival architectural style. The 1950s and 60s ushered in a more modern era, witnessed by additions such as the Waikiki indoor pool and health club in 1954, followed by the Golden Gate and Empire wings in 1956. However, the true architectural marvel arrived in 1964 when the Nevele Tower, soaring ten stories high, became the resort's defining feature.

The Nevele and its adjacent Fallsview resort, once under the ownership of the Slutsky family, eventually changed hands to Michell Wolff and Joel Hoffman. These enterprising individuals merged the establishments into the Nevele Grande Hotel. True to its name, the Nevele Grand boasted an impressive 430 guest rooms at its peak, employing a workforce of 800. The property featured two golf courses, the first established in the 1940s and later renovated, while the second, a 9-hole course, came into play following the hotels' merger. An array of amenities awaited guests, including a ski chalet, skating rink, skate and ski shop, a snack bar, and a lavishly appointed lobby with a roaring fireplace. Grand ballrooms, meeting halls, and even a Hawaiian-themed nightclub added to the allure.

However, in 2006, the Nevele Grande Resort faced financial turmoil, leading to the sale of the Fallsview, which continues to operate today as Honor's Haven. The Nevele managed to remain open for a few more years but abruptly shuttered after the Fourth of July weekend in 2009 due to unpaid taxes.

A proposed auction for the property in the fall of 2009 was abruptly halted when a potential buyer emerged at the last minute. Despite this, the property languished and fell into disrepair. In early 2010, the New York State Supreme Court awarded full ownership to Michell Wolff.

In the spring of 2012, Nevele Investors LLC unveiled ambitious plans for a $500 million renovation, envisioning the Nevele as a premier resort and casino destination. Unfortunately, the project hit a roadblock when the necessary gambling license could not be secured, resulting in its cancellation.

Following the denial of the gambling license, another developer explored the possibility of transforming the Nevele into a sports complex, complete with a spa and additional amenities. This sports complex emerged as the primary focal point. In the fall of 2017, Nevele Investors LLC declared plans for the Nevele's reopening in March 2020. Regrettably, financial constraints led the developer to withdraw from the project, leaving the Nevele's future hanging in the balance. Reports in 2020 suggested the property was once again up for sale, and early 2022 saw rumors of a mixed-use hotel and residential development.

Visiting the Nevele today is fraught with peril, as much of the structure teeters on the brink of collapse. The once-stalwart carpet is now the only thing preventing unwary explorers from plummeting through weakened floors. Regrettably, there is little worth salvaging within these deteriorated walls, and the grandeur of yesteryears will soon yield to the ravages of time, reducing this historic hotel to rubble.

Thank you for joining us on this journey through the storied history of the Nevele. Until next time, explorers, stay safe.