(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.
A center of Poughkeepsie’s industry & livelihood
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.
A remarkable transformation
In 2020, Scenic Hudson began transforming the 2-acre property into a green building and landscape designed to use less energy and water, avoid waste, and help the community thrive. Scenic Hudson’s vision was two-fold: to rehabilitate the abandoned and polluted site — healing a brownfield — to create both offices for its staff and gathering spaces for the Northside community. The architecture firm MASS Design Group, which has worked with Scenic Hudson on other revitalization efforts in downtown Poughkeepsie, designed the building.
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. Grounded in sustainable design, the new Northside Hub runs entirely on the sun, with extra power to spare.
A catalyst for learning & growing
With the physical transformation complete, the focus has turned to activating the Northside Hub to meet its potential. Located close to urban paths and places to enjoy the outdoors – including Walkway Over the HudsonDutchess Rail Trail,Fall Kill Creek, and the Northside Line – the Hub is a gateway for connecting community 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.
Starting in January 2026, Scenic Hudson’s Northside Hub will be available for community use, including meetings, public events, workshops, and educational activities. If you’re interested in using these community spaces, please fill out this brief form or contact Scenic Hudson’s Northside Hub Program Coordinator, David Wong: dwong@scenichudson.org.
FAQs (frequently asked questions)
How can I get involved?
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, send us an email! We’d love to hear from you.
Starting in January 2026, Scenic Hudson’s Northside Hub will be available for community use, including meetings, public events, workshops, and educational activities. If you’re interested in using these community spaces, please fill out this brief form.
What are 58 Parker Ave's primary goals?
- 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.
How about opportunities for young people?
Youth programming will be a key component of future park activities. Potential partners include The Brain and Body Coalition, Nubian Directions, Community Matters 2, the Boys & Girls Club of Poughkeepsie, and the Poughkeepsie City School District — to bring youth perspectives and ideas into the design and create community ownership over aspects of the project.
What is Scenic Hudson’s role in the project?
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.
How will this project impact local businesses?
We foresee more people visiting neighborhood businesses from nearby trails as well as other organizations or businesses that could share the space. 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.
Will the Northside Hub at 58 Parker Ave make it easier to find parking?
On weekends, yes! The solar canopy lot across the street from 58 Parker Ave. is reserved for Scenic Hudson staff on weekdays. During the weekend, it is available to the community and Walkway Over the Hudson visitors. The parking lot directly beside the Hub is for staff and building use only, and is closed to the public at all times.
How will you promote safety?
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. Scenic Hudson’s presence at the Northside Hub five days a week should also improve safety thanks to an increase in street activity and foot traffic. There will be occasional programming and events, as well as community use of outdoor and indoor public spaces. Outside the Hub, blue light emergency phones are available to connect you directly with responders if you need emergency services or feel like you are in danger.