New York history seems ingrained in the very foundation of Ulster Academy. Erected in 1870 (a full two years before Rondout and Kingston were incorporated!), the U.A. was originally intended for use as a District Common School. Education proved a fertile ground for Ulster Academy; its continued use led to an enlargement in 1886, and its walls would house a myriad of learning institutions through the years including a grammar school and a Union Free School.

Most recently the Ulster Academy was utilized as a prime storage space for the Kingston, NY school district. In the spring of 2003 the space was purchased by the Kingston Trio, LLC for conversion into the loft style apartments of today.