Hudson Valley downtowns face challenges and opportunities as varied as their Main Street facades. Unfortunately, many say these traditional districts will never be the same. Squeezed by malls and big-box stores, Main Streets nonetheless are resilient, economically viable and socially enriching.
It is time to take a second look at these districts, as innovative programs are being adapted from all sectors. Redefining their physical appearances, municipalities are improving streetscapes with fresh design elements. Preserving historic buildings and rehabilitating storefronts is increasingly popular, helped by organizations such as Scenic Hudson and the Preservation League of New York State.
The valley is filled with success stories, each representing a different approach to the revitalization challenge.
LIVING TRANSFORMATION
In the City of Hudson in Columbia County, Warren Street's 80-plus antiques stores have attracted other specialized retail, giving a unique dimension to this revived thoroughfare. Desiring proximity to others as well as public amenities, people are moving downtown, making it more than a nine-to-five place. This lifestyle phenomenon is proving that downtown is a great, albeit different, place to shop and live.
Similarly, a once forgotten end of the Village of Irvington's Main Street has been renewed by mixed-use development. An old factory in this Westchester County community now combines public- and private-sector interests via unique apartments and a ground-floor local library. |
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BACK IN BUSINESS
In the Village of Catskill in Greene County, Main Street businesses are giving light manufacturing new meaning. Functional Tile fabricates handmade decorative tiles in its store, reserving the front for retail. Ann Stewart Kiltmaker makes kilts and quilted dresses, selling quality garments to the public from an adjoining storefront. Both businesses are creating jobs and excitement among customers who can watch merchandise being made.
CREATIVE DRAW
Historically the panacea for downtown was securing a major retail anchor. Today's concept is totally different. In the City of Beacon in Dutchess County, Dia:Beacon has brought new life to a shopping district. Likewise, in the City of Peekskill in Westchester County, the Paramount Center for the Arts, a movie theatre reborn as a performing arts center, has become a key cultural resource. |
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PORT ABILITY
Always an important part of river towns, ports sadly were neglected for decades, but vitality is returning. The Rondout in the City of Kingston in Ulster County boasts new restaurants and residences, galleries, small museums and a boutique hotel, changing the area in ways never dreamed.
ETHNIC STUDIES
Although historic buildings on the Village of Haverstraw's Main Street remain the same, the ethnic make-up has changed. Eleven Hispanic nationalities now live, work and support the Rockland County town with a strong and vibrant spirit that has re-energized the river community.
Who said Main Streets couldn't survive? The Hudson Valley is proving they can. |
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A college instructor, consultant and pioneer of the Main Street movement, Norman Mintz is co-author of the book Cities Back From The Edge: New Life For Downtown and a member of the Trustees Council of the Preservation League of New York State. He resides in Claverack, Columbia County.
Illustration by Dan Baxter |
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