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The Foundation also looks forward to working with local stakeholders to develop plans to preserve and utilize the Hoffman House and the Reynolds Homestead, two historically significant buildings on the property, which date to the late 18th century settling of the community. Work on the property has already begun with a series of improvements designed to make the grounds suitable for public use and enjoyment in time for the Walkway Waterfront Elevator’s planned opening in the Fall of 2013.
The Foundation envisions the Upper Landing Historic Park as a vibrant new public amenity for both visitors and locals. With meandering foot paths dotted with shade trees, picnic tables, and benches, it will offer a place where people can come to stroll or picnic along the Fallkill Creek and the majestic Hudson River. Throughout the park grounds will be educational displays highlighting the early Dutch settlers and Industrial Age innovators who set the stage for Poughkeepsie’s Golden Age by establishing commercial enterprises and homesteads on the Upper Landing property.
The second phase of the Upper Landing Project, currently underway, is a public discussion with community leaders, residents, and stakeholders aimed at determining the most appropriate uses for the Hoffman House and the Reynolds Homestead. For more information on Phase Two, visit the Community Feedback page.
In addition to its cultural and historic importance, the Foundation believes the Upper Landing park is important to the future development of the city’s waterfront, particularly because the 21-story Walkway waterfront elevator is expected to draw thousands of new visitors and tourists into the region via the Poughkeepsie Train Station, which is just a short walk from the Upper Landing property. We hope this new urban park will demonstrate Poughkeepsie’s pride in its past while serving as an appropriate gateway to the Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park, a world-class recreational amenity and tourist attraction.
As part of its agreement to purchase this key waterfront parcel from the City of Poughkeepsie, the Foundation committed to keeping the Upper Landing property open and accessible to the public forever. We hope the Upper Landing Historic Park will eventually serve as a centerpiece for the City of Poughkeepsie’s historic preservation, public recreation, and economic revitalization.
