Downtown State Street (Schenectady)
Schenectady’s downtown is like many in upstate New York. Retail development on the outskirts of cities has led many businesses to relocate, leaving once thriving "Main Streets" nearly empty. Schenectady’s "Main Street" is State Street, which has witnessed disinvestment over the decades, and a decline in the number of people coming downtown to shop. The city has made a commitment to reversing this trend, but at the expense of what gives Schenectady a sense of place and distinguishes it from any other downtown– its historic buildings.
The city has supported the demolition of 11 turn-of-the-century buildings for a new state Department of Transportation headquarters. Eight of these buildings are eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. After much contest from the Schenectady Heritage Foundation, the Preservation League of New York State, and many residents, the city has refused to locate the DOT building elsewhere.
Now,
Schenectady may be gearing up to demolish another eight buildings which
stand on the preferred site of a new City/County Courthouse. One of the
buildings in this block is the former Oddfellows Hall, a terra cotta clad
structure that was recently restored by Proctor’s Theater for an Arts
Center.
According to Barbara Blanchard, President of the Schenectady Heritage Foundation, "Downtown Schenectady is full of incredible architecture that is underappreciated by the city administration. The historic buildings tell the tale of the development of Schenectady. When we lose them, we lose a very real part of our history that can’t be recreated."
"There are better alternatives to demolition. Schenectady has several sites that would be much more suitable for new construction," says Scott P. Heyl, President of the Preservation League of New York State. "The city should concentrate more on the benefits that restoration of these historic properties would bring, including maintaining Schenectady’s unique character, increasing heritage tourism, and creating more jobs. Preservation makes economic sense. It has been proven time and again in cities all over New York State and the nation."
Contacts:
Barbara Blanchard, President, Schenectady Heritage Foundation, 518-374-1956
Scott P. Heyl, President, Preservation League of New York State, 518-462-5658, ext.19
Daniel Mackay, Director of Public Policy, Preservation League of New York State, 518-462-5658, ext.18