Greater University Hill –
Syracuse, New York
Neighborhood Is Economic Engine to Upstate New York
Finding the Greater
University Hill area of Syracuse, New York, is not hard considering the
neighborhood rises 300 feet above downtown. Making a trip to "The Hill,"
as residents call it, is becoming easier given a new shuttle bus and
other improvements stemming from a recent partnership between the
university community and City Hall.
Known as the "Connective
Corridor," the partnership is the latest initiative to strengthen ties
between downtown Syracuse and the Greater University Hill area, which is
home to several major medical and educational centers and provides
employment for more than 20,000.
Given the neighborhood's
community engagement, as well as its memorable character and role as an
economic engine for the central upstate New York region, the American
Planning Association (APA) is designating the Greater University Hill
area as one of 10 Great Neighborhoods for 2008.
Encompassing
approximately 2.25 square miles, the neighborhood is characterized by
unique topography. A series of drumlins — spoon-shaped hills formed
during the last Ice Age — populate the landscape and provide a bevy of
natural overlooks. The small green space on top of Westminster drumlin
is Syracuse's highest point.
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Further
enhancing the neighborhood's memorable character is its
unique housing stock, built primarily from 1900 to 1925
after the neighborhood's creation followed the founding of
Syracuse University in 1870. Famous architect Ward
Wellington Ward designed a number of the Craftsman-style
residences and other buildings on The Hill, while noted Arts
and Crafts furniture builder Gustav Stickley lived there and
had a gallery nearby. The historic Berkeley Park, one of the
city's earliest planned subdivisions, is so well preserved
that 126 of the original 137 properties are considered
historically significant.
The
neighborhood's three largest green spaces — Thornden Park,
Barry Park, and Oakwood Cemetery — are used year round. The
annual Thornden Park Chili Festival is held in February and
can make one's stomach feel as hot as if it were July.
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The neighborhood's
largest employment centers — Syracuse University, State University of
New York Upstate Medical University, Crouse Hospital, and State
University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry —
form the economic backbone. Syracuse generates more than $300 million
annually in economic impact, and Upstate Medical is nearing completion
of the 90,000 square foot Golisano Children's Hospital. The Syracuse
Veterans Affairs Medical Center and Hutchings Psychiatric Center also
provide additional significant employment opportunities.
Three business districts
adjacent to the universities offer everything from clothing to pizza.
The restaurants and shops along Marshall or simply "M" Street, which has
pavers that signify parking stalls, offer the 22,000 college students
attending the universities with places to meet and relax after class.
In comparison, Westcott
Street, or "Westcott Nation" as residents refer to it, is more
progressive and diverse. Known for its open mindedness and acceptance,
residents can purchase everything from Free Trade coffee to vintage
clothing here. The only co-op grocery store in Syracuse is just around
the corner.
The East Genesee
Business district, located at the bottom/northern edge of the Hill, has
several boutique hotels and a variety of restaurants. It is also home to
the Syracuse Stage and Syracuse University's Paul Robeson Performing
Arts Company. To add to the creative nature of this corridor, a
sculpture garden has been added to the historic Forman Park.
Civic participation is
the Hill's other hallmark. Thornden Park alone has three groups to help
keep it clean. The United Neighborhood Preservation Association promotes
long-term neighborhood stability by providing grants of $1,500 to $4,500
for first-time home buyers as well as low-interest loans on exterior
renovations for existing homeowners.
To expand the
neighborhood's strong economy, a focus on alternative transportation
intertwined with arts and culture is being developed as a result of the
Connective Corridor. Guided by a city-university mutual agreement,
building space is being converted for art galleries; shuttle bus service
and Wi-Fi access is being provided; and streetscape improvements, with
new design elements, are under way.
"This [design] process
will not only offer new looks for certain city streets, but also is a
real sign that our university and city are collaborating in ways to
benefit the entire city and the wider region," says Mayor Matthew
Driscoll.
The Greater University
Hill neighborhood is a successful example of what can result when a
university neighborhood and surrounding community work together for
mutual benefit. The civic activism found here, coupled with the
universities' economic strength, will continue to make The Hill a unique
and vibrant neighborhood.
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