Clifton Park News Highlights: Business Updates, Event Announcements, and More Local Happenings

Clifton Park Resident's 50 Foot NYC Model Debuts at Museum of the City of New York

A huge New York City model that took more than two decades to make is now on display at the Museum of the City of New York. He Built This City: Joe Macken's Model marks the first time the Queen's born artist's tremendous creation is being exhibited in the city that inspired it. 

Truck driver Joe Macken initiated the project in 2004, initially working in Middle Village, Queens, and later in Clifton Park. Over the course of 21 years, he carefully crafted a 50-by-27-foot architectural portrait of New York using everyday materials like balsa wood, cardboard, and glue. 

The model spans 320 individual sections and captures the skyline, neighborhoods, and landmarks with striking detail and personality. Macken began with 30 Rockefeller Plaza and continued building outward, blending precision with his own artistic interpretation of the city's character. 

The model is going to be installed in the Museum's Dinan Miller Gallery, and will sit just steps from the permanent exhibitions New York and Its Core and Timescapes. Together, the exhibits offer visitors a layered look at the city's past, present, and evolving landscape through both history and handcrafted vision. 

Sources: 

https://www.mcny.org/exhibition/he-built-city 

https://www.tiktok.com/@cbseveningnews/video/7605297613302189342?_r=1&_t=ZT-93qhMMt9dbK

New Owners Step In at Clifton Park Favorite Ravenswood

A longtime Clifton Park dining staple is entering a new chapter. Ravenswood, the popular pub and restaurant located at 1021 Route 146, has been purchased by Dora and Michael Philip, familiar names in the Capital Region restaurant scene.

According to the Times Union, the couple finalized the purchase of Ravenswood at the end of December. The Philips also own The Hollow Bar + Kitchen and Rosanna’s Italian Kitchen in Albany, and say they were drawn to Ravenswood for its loyal customer base and strong business model.

The new owners plan to keep changes minimal. The existing menu will largely remain the same, though vegan and vegetarian options may be added over time, reflecting offerings that have been popular at The Hollow. Operational improvements may also be introduced as the couple settles into ownership.

All current Ravenswood employees are being retained, including longtime head chef Mike Cunningham. Many staff members have worked at the restaurant for years, helping maintain the consistency and atmosphere regulars expect.

One small adjustment will be simplifying the restaurant’s name. Going forward, the business will be known simply as Ravenswood. With new ownership focused on continuity rather than reinvention, the restaurant remains a familiar gathering spot for locals while beginning its next phase.

Source: Times Union

After Years in the Making, Realm Artesian Water Begins Preorders

Clifton Park has officially welcomed a unique addition to the local landscape with the opening of Realm Artesian Water. According to a recent report by the Albany Business Review, this newcomer is making waves by prioritizing extreme purity throughout its 9,000-square-foot facility.

Interestingly, the company maintains its high standards by using the artesian water itself to clean the entire production space. This dedication to quality is mirrored in a process that completely bypasses plastics, opting instead for high-grade stainless steel to ensure the water remains untainted.

Consumers can currently secure their first taste of this premium water through preorders, with shipping slated to begin on March 1. A 12-pack of 16-ounce glass bottles is priced at $78, reflecting the high-end craftsmanship behind the brand.

While the initial release focuses on still water, Realm is already preparing to expand its offerings later this year. Plans are in motion to debut a sparkling variety alongside a larger 750mL bottle specifically designed for fine dining environments.

Since establishing its roots here in 2024, the business has grown into a sophisticated regional player. It stands as a notable example of local industry innovation right in our own backyard.

Source: Albany Business Review