Dear RD Friends & Family,

We’ve got some big news to share.

If you’re a regular guest or follower, you probably know we’ve had some serious issues with our building. These issues date back several years and go well beyond what we’ve discussed publicly. We’ve worked hard, both to make our own improvements and also to get some reassurance that problems beyond our control, as renters, would be addressed.

With just over a year left on our lease, we’ve ramped up these efforts and spent a lot of time wondering what’s next for us. We’ve even inquired about purchasing the building, to ensure we’d have space to grow and evolve.

Unfortunately, it’s become clear that there is no path toward a long-term future in our current space.

We love this building and the community that we all, together, have created here over the past eight-plus years. The following is not a statement we make lightly, and it’s something we’d hoped we would never have to say.

Rough Draft will be leaving John and Crown Streets in 2027.

But here’s the good news: We’ve got a new opportunity — one we believe can provide a bigger, better, more sustainable future for Rough Draft.

We’re moving … right around the corner, to Senate Garage!

The team behind this amazing, historic building will be retiring from the wedding business at the end of 2026. And we’re hoping that we can take the special magic this venue provides for private events, and open it up to everyday guests. Fill it with people, books, beverages, and conversation, and bring even more life to the space.

This transition won’t be easy. But since it seems inevitable, Senate Garage feels like a dream-come-true landing spot. There will be more room for seating, more books and more drinks, more readings and music and trivia and community events. Maybe even more food!

We’ll be neighbors with Rhino Records, and just downstairs from CoWork Kingston. The possibilities are endless. We can’t wait to get going.

That said, we know we have a big challenge ahead: Our current building is beautiful and unique. It’s a huge part of what’s attracted people to our business, both online and in real life, and we’re grateful to be part of Kingston’s iconic Four Corners.

But we also know that the people are really the heart and soul of this place. The centuries-old stone walls and open-beam ceilings are pretty, but it’s our team and our guests – and their camaraderie, connections, and smiles – that make what we have so special. We hope to take all of that with us to Senate Garage, to a space that’s spacious but still cozy, less “rough” but still charming, gorgeous but still inviting.

Our timeline for 2027 is not set, but we know that this will likely be the final summer, fall, and holiday season in our current building. We’re announcing it now because we’re excited to start planning, and we know word will get out!

And because this is such bittersweet news, we want to savor this last year at 82 John Street, along with every one of you who has come to see it as such a special place.

This Saturday, April 25, is Independent Bookstore Day — probably our last at this location — so please join us in making it our best yet!

There’s much more to say, and there will be many more updates over the next few months. For now, know that we are energized and inspired by these big plans.

We hope you are too.