(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, 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).
A catalyst for learning & growing
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 Walkway Over the Hudson, Dutchess Rail Trail, Fall Kill Creek, and the 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 (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.
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 Nubian Directions, The Art Effect, 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. 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).
Will the Northside Hub at 58 Parker Ave make it easier to find parking?
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).
How will you promote safety?
Scenic Hudson’s presence at the Northside Hub at 58 Parker Ave. five days a week should improve safety thanks to an increase in street activity and foot traffic. There will also be occasional programming and events, as well as community use of outdoor and indoor public space.