(Scenic Hudson offices & community space)
Turning a vital piece of Poughkeepsie’s history — vacant for 20 years — into light-filled spaces for work, discovery, gathering, reflection, and innovation.
Un centro de industria y vida en Poughkeepsie
For much of the 20th century, the industrial buildings at the intersection of Parker Ave., Garden Street, and Brookside Ave. had a huge impact on the city. From 1923-2002, they housed the Standard Gage Company, which manufactured precision measuring instruments. In 1943, President Roosevelt visited the plant to recognize the company’s role in developing essential machinery and armaments for the war effort.
While the factory was operating, it provided an economic base for generations of people living in the mixed commercial, industrial, and residential Northside neighborhood. But decades of industrial activity also left behind substantial contamination to the soil and groundwater. For the last 20 years, the structures have largely been vacant.
Una transformación notable
In 2020, Northside Junction, LLC, an affiliate of Scenic Hudson, acquired the 2.11-acre property and began transforming it into a green building and landscape that uses less energy and water, avoids waste, and will help the community thrive. Scenic Hudson’s vision was two-fold: to rehabilitate the abandoned site to create both workspace for its staff and public spaces to meet community needs, like gatherings, meetings, events, and educational activities. The architecture firm MASS Design Group, which has worked with Scenic Hudson on other revitalization efforts in downtown Poughkeepsie, is a partner.
As of summer 2025, construction is nearly complete. The process included restoration of the historic interiors and exteriors of the site, which is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Scenic Hudson also cleaned up the contamination from the property’s industrial past through New York State’s Brownfield Cleanup Program and will be monitoring the area to protect the health of the community.
*UPDATE: The parking lot across from 58 Parker Ave. is temporarily closed. When the lot RE-OPENS (FALL OF 2025) it will be available to to the public on weekends. This location is also utilized by construction teams who are making improvements to 58 Parker Ave. Please see alternative parking options (click here).
Catalizador para el aprendizaje y el crecimiento
With the physical transformation complete, the focus will turn to activating the Northside Hub to meet its potential for community use. Located close to urban paths and places to enjoy the outdoors – including Pasarela sobre el Hudson, Dutchess Rail Trail, Fall Kill Creek, y el Northside Line – the hub has built-in channels to connect with community. The vision is to make it a welcoming space for all Northside residents and visitors to learn, grow, play, create, and celebrate together. It also supports the city’s ongoing efforts to enhance economic opportunity and equality, putting the health and well-being of local residents and the environment at the forefront.
FAQs (preguntas frecuentes)
¿Cómo puedo participar?
Thanks so much for your interest! The Northside Hub’s success depends on active involvement by Northside residents and partners like you. To learn more or get involved, envíanos un email. We’d love to hear from you.
¿Cuáles son los objetivos principales de 58 Parker Ave?
- Create an inspiring space for Scenic Hudson’s staff, programs, and collaborators.
- Create welcoming public spaces to meet community needs, including opportunities for neighbors, local families and youth, as well as for visitors to the area.
- Increase safe pedestrian and bike access to adjacent parks, trails, and city streets.
- Encourage economic vitality in the neighborhood.
- Provide shared community resources, including: an auditorium, a large indoor/outdoor pavilion, open green spaces, and gathering and meeting spaces.
We hope that the transformation of the Northside Hub from vacant spaces and abandoned buildings into sustainable community resources will engage and inspire all ages.
¿Habrá oportunidades para la juventud?
Youth programming will be a key component of future park activities. Potential partners include Nubian Directions, The Art Effect, el Boys & Girls Club of Poughkeepsie, y el Distrito Escolar de la Ciudad de Poughkeepsie a fin de integrar en el diseño perspectivas e ideas de la juventud e infundir un sentido de pertenencia en aspectos del proyecto.
¿Cuál es el rol de Scenic Hudson en el proyecto?
Scenic Hudson owns the property and will continue investing in the project as a community asset. Scenic Hudson’s offices are located in the building, but much of the space (surrounding and within the building) is designed for and will be available for community use.
¿Qué impacto tendrá el proyecto en los comercios locales?
We foresee more people visiting neighborhood businesses from nearby trails as well as other organizations or businesses that could share the space. The Northside Hub is collaborating with the Northside Line project on street improvements that may include new crosswalks, landscaping, and measures to slow vehicles down and make streets safer for pedestrians and bicyclists. New pedestrian and bike access routes will also make travel more convenient for residents, business owners, and visitors. In addition, this project brings more than 60 Scenic Hudson staff to the Northside during the week (who frequent local businesses).
¿Será más fácil encontrar estacionamiento cuando se termine el Northside Hub en 58 Parker Ave.?
Parking options for a variety of users are under consideration. The property’s lot will provide parking for Scenic Hudson on weekdays. It will be available for the community and Walkway Over the Hudson visitors during the weekends.
*UPDATE: The lot across from 58 Parker Ave. is temporarily closed. When the lot RE-OPENS (FALL OF 2025) it will be available to to the public on weekends. This location is also utilized by construction teams who are making improvements to 58 Parker Ave. Please see alternative parking options (click here).
¿Cómo fomentarán la seguridad?
La presencia de Scenic Hudson en el Northside Hub en 58 Parker Ave los cinco días de la semana debería mejorar la seguridad dado el aumento en actividad en la calle y tránsito peatonal. También habrá programación y eventos de vez en cuando, además del uso comunitario del espacio público.