The Poughkeepsie waterfront is quickly becoming a compatible blend of parks, open space, residential communities, destination retail, and restaurants. Work is commencing on The Southern Waterfront, a major public-private venture that will transform 25 vacant acres into a mix of public amenities and commercial development in a park-like setting. The first phase of the project, including The Grandview and Shadows on the Hudson, was completed in the Winter of 2006.
A public walkway along the river's edge is a goal that is well underway along the entire length of the City's riverfront. When completed, the walkway will stretch over 2 miles, connecting all of the waterfront City parks.
2009 offers an opportunity for us to celebrate 400 years of history along the Hudson River. The City of Poughkeepsie, the Queen City, wants to make this a year to remember. We take this opportunity to be part of that history. We hope you will review our many events for the Hudson Fulton Champlain Quadricentennial. And, we invite you to come and join us in celebration.
Quadricentennial Calendar of Events
www.poughkeepsiequad.org
Main Street is undergoing a revival with over 300 new residential apartments online. With a variety of market rate and affordable units, Main Street is quickly becoming a vibrant mixed-use neighborhood.
Over 50 storefronts are benefiting from the City Facade Grants with beautiful results.
The Street offers many opportunities for retail and office space in recently renovated and architecturally restored buildings. Low and zero interest loans are available to new or expanding businesses through the City's Development Department.
Move to Main Street is the City's new initiative to encourage smart creative businesses to relocate here - close enough to do business in NYC, but just far enough to enjoy the home town flavor of Poughkeepsie and the beauty of the region.
Nestled on the Hudson River, just 70 miles north of midtown Manhattan, Poughkeepsie is the regional center of the arts, entertainment, higher education, healthcare, transportation, business, and government. Metro-North commuter trains run hourly to and from NYC Grand Central Station.
The rapid transformation of the City's Riverfront and our historic Main Street offer unparalleled value and opportunity in housing and business.
Our residential neighborhoods are examples of excellent design and community planning.
Visit us soon and see for yourself how
history, natural beauty, strategic location, and plenty of forward thinking people offer a balanced lifestyle and a sense of place.
Tee off at one of the city golf courses, join the crowd at a Lincoln Park soccer match, or read a book by the Hudson at Waryas Park. Stately beauty is complemented by an array of amenities and activities in Poughkeepsie's 18 parks. Two public swimming pools, tennis, basketball, baseball, fishing, golf, public boat launches, picnic areas, and our new skate park.
Relax and enjoy!
Step off the train in Poughkeepsie and walk the shore of the Hudson River at Waryas Park. Hike the winding trails of Springside Landscape Restoration, designed by A. J. Downing, the father of American landscape architecture. Ride or jog the bike path at Spratt Park. Poughkeepsie and the surrounding area offer miles of discovery on the..
Hudson River Valley Greenway
Appalachian Trail
Dutchess County Wine Trail
and countless other places in and around the City to drape yourself in American and natural history.
Located on the Hudson River, the Poughkeepsie shoreline stretches for nearly 2 miles, offering plenty of opportunity for water activities. Regattas, fishing, boating and kayaking are enjoyed by participants and spectators.
Take a walk along the Hudson and feel the effect it has on you. The City is expanding and improving its waterfront park system with a goal of linking the entire waterfront with a public walkway.
Breathe, Recharge
Community Event Spotlight:
Autumn in the Park
Bartlett Park
October 20, 2007
After the rainstorms of the previous day, Bartlett Park was fresh and beautiful. Hundreds of children and families enjoyed pony rides, the petting zoo, and the bouncing houses. Greg Goodall painted faces non-stop for hours. Shooting Star Express and Cuddles the Clown entranced the younger set. Early in the day we listened to Vincent Sauter and Friends sing folk music. Later on Bob Martinson’s music entertained us from the bandstand as did the conga line and dances he did with the kids. There was hay to jump on and a wigwam to pow-wow in as well as scare crow-making and other crafts. The nursery school from the Reformed Church sold hot dogs and chili, baked goods and drinks and even had a raffle. Of course there were races, and the children raced until nearly all had a medal. The Community police attended and the Fire Dept. brought our newest pumper for the taxpayers to see and the children to explore. The Parks and Recreation Dept. were at their best, putting on a smooth and perfectly organized festival that all attendees enjoyed.
Tee off at one of the city golf courses, join the crowd at a soccer match, read a book by the Hudson
Located on the Hudson River, the Poughkeepsie shoreline stretches for nearly 2 miles, offering plenty of opportunity for water activities.
Metro North Railroad invested $23 million in additions and renovations to the beautiful train station and parking facility. Hourly commuter trains and Amtrak serve Poughkeepsie, connecting us to Grand Central, Penn Station, and points north.
Dooley Square, a converted warehouse adjacent to the Poughkeepsie Train Station, offers 60,000 SF of retail, office and restaurants.
Located right on Main Street, a block from the Hudson River, the Poughkeepsie station and Dooley Square are helping to link Main Street to our waterfront parks, neighborhoods, and commercial venues.
The 300 Block of Main Street is witnessing a major facelift thanks to the efforts of Precision Contractor and Development.
Behrends Court is a 36 unit, 9 storefront, 43,000 SF mixed-use project. Design of the Main Street facades is true to the period architecture of the originals. The project employs environmentally responsible systems, such as photovoltaic panels and geothermal heat pumps. Residential units are outfitted with renewable resources, including eucalyptus, cork, and bamboo flooring.
Fro additional information, please contact:
Precision Contractor and Development
Jon and Tiffany Behrends
845.485.7273 office
jonbehrends@verizon.net
Completed in early 2006, The Hamilton is a $13 million mixed-use development of 54 residential rental units and 6,600 SF of retail in downtown Poughkeepsie. The project's design reflects a late 19th century streetscape typical of Poughkeepsie's Main Street. The spacious apartments are priced affordably.
For rental information, please contact:
The Dagar Group Ltd.
Transformations
The Luckey Platt Building
In September 2005, Alma commenced a three year rehabilitation program that resulted in 143 market rate rental apartments and 25,000 SF of retail space. Located at the corner of Main Street and Academy Street, this building sits at the heart of downtown Poughkeepsie.
The neo-classical building, once a regional department store servicing the surrounding counties, is considered the key to continued progress along the Main Street Corridor. The revitalization momentum up and down Main Street is expected to fast forward once the Luckey Platt development is completed.
For rental information, please contact:
Retail - The Dagar Group Ltd.
Residential - Alma Realty Corporation
The City of Poughkeepsie is the center of higher education in the Hudson Valley. 4 Colleges sit just outside the City bounds.
Marist
Vassar
Culinary Institute of America
Dutchess Community College
Combined they bring 17,000 students to Poughkeepsie each year.Whether you are just heading off to college, brushing up on professional skills, or completing a degree, the area colleges have something for virtually everybody.
Since 1843, the Poughkeepsie City School District has provided city residents with excellent educational opportunities. Today the district offers a comprehensive educational program designed to meet the needs of students and adults of diverse interests, abilities and backgrounds. Student enrollment is approximately 5,000.
The district is composed of three K-5 neighborhood elementary schools; Clinton School, Columbus School and Krieger School; three magnet schools, Morse Young Child Magnet School (K-2), Smith Humanities Magnet School (Gr. 3-5), and Warring Magnet Academy of Science/ Technology (K-5); Circle of Courage Learning Community (K-8), an alternative education school; Poughkeepsie Middle School for grades 6 to 8 and Poughkeepsie High School for grades 9 to 12.
In the City of Poughkeepsie, educational opportunities do not end at the sound of a school bell. Many local organizations offer youth programs tailored to meet a specific goal. Project ABLE, offered through Mill Street Loft, is an innovative year-round youth employment training program, Children's Media Project offers a wide range of workshops on digital film production and stop-motion animation techniques, and The Mid-Hudson Children's Museum blends science and art into a unique learning experience.
City of Schools
In 1782, Governor George Clinton, in a speech to the Senate and Assembly, said:
"It is the peculiar duty of the government of a free State, where the highest employments are open to citizens of every rank, to endeavor by the establishment of schools and seminaries to diffuse that degree of literature which is necessary to the due discharge of public trust."
That statement helped form the groundwork for public education in America. From pre-school programs to nationally recognized institutions
of higher learning, The City of Poughkeepsie is synonymous with educational opportunity.
read more about Gov. Clinton online
In the City of Poughkeepsie, educational opportunities do not end at the sound of a school bell.
Since 1843, the City School District has provided city residents with excellent educational opportunities.
The Barrett Clay Works and Art Studios,located at 485 Main Street, is a unique gallery and studio arts facililty. This beautifully restored building is an anchor and a community center, with street level gallery space and instruction in various methods of "working clay" for all ages. The upper floors feature a range of rentable studio space that provide 24/7 access to the facility for visual artists and entrepreneurs. The last Saturday of each month is Family Clay Day. From 10am-1pm, Clay Works opens the studio space to parents and children. Studio staff is on hand to assist in all aspects of working clay.
Barrett Clay Works
(845) 471-2550
www.barrettartcenter.org
Arts and culture are synonymous with the Hudson River Valley, and Poughkeepsie is fast rising as a regional arts center. World-class live performances set the stage at the historic 1869 Bardavon Opera House. Local troupes and a variety of artists enjoy the classic performance and studio space available at the 120 year old Cunneen-Hackett Arts Center on Main Street. Private galleries and art shops share the other side of the street. Public summer concerts and special events are a popular feature in the City's Parks.
Poughkeepsie's colleges lead the way with visual art exhibitions and live performances. Vassar's Loeb Art Center, a first class museum designed by Cesar Pelli, is home to one of the nation's top collections. The Powerhouse Theatre at Vassar delights audiences each summer with notable performances featuring stars of stage and screen. The Mildred I. Washington Gallery at Dutchess Community College exhibits work from regional, national, and international artists. The Marist College Art Gallery focuses primarily on contemporary regional artists working in all fine arts media.
Pablo Picasso once said, "All children are artists. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up." Poughkeepsie is home to many great art's organizations that offer various programs tailored to further a child's appreciation of the arts.
Local Art Spotlight:
"Kipsy" Main Street Mural Restored by Mill Street Loft Art Students
A colorful mural depicting "Kipsy," the mythical serpent who lives in the Hudson River, has been carefully repaired, repainted and restored by students from The Art Institute of Mill Street Loft's chapter of the National Art Honor Society. 
It was originally created by Poughkeepsie artists Margaret and Richard Crenson in 1989 on the wall of the Hudson Valley Office Furniture building at the corner of Main and Crannel Streets in Poughkeepsie." In consultation with the artists, the students fixed damaged areas, removed graffiti and brightened up the sun faded colors. According to Indian legend the ancient creature is believed to have existed and was said to have been sighted by sailors on many vessels including: Henry Hudson's Halfmoon, the Livingston's Clermont and even our own Clearwater. The "Kipsy" mural features many familiar Hudson River images.
"It's about time someone recognized the importance of this mural. It has always been a favorite place of mine since I was a kid" said one gentleman who came running up to take photos while work was in progress on November 11th. More than a dozen student volunteers participated in this restoration project. Other community members and people from surrounding businesses encouraged the students expressing their support since the mural was important to them as well. Patrons of The Chance and Hudson Valley Office Furniture, as well as passers-bys, neighbors and community members will now be able to continue enjoying this unique public artwork well into the future.
The Art Institute of Mill Street Loft is a pre-college portfolio development program for motivated high school art students interested in pursuing careers in the visual arts. Students accepted into the National Art Honor Society (NAHS) commit to participate in community service projects and the mural restoration project is one of them. The Art Institute offers courses in Figure Drawing and Painting, metal welding, Figurative Clay, Portfolio Development and Photography.
For a full listing of Winter-Spring for 2009 courses, visit the website at www.millstreetloft.org or call 845-471-7477 for a brochure.
Poughkeepsie and the surrounding areas are teeming with historic people, places, and events. Franklin D. Roosevelt, Eleanor Roosevelt, Samuel B. Morse, George Clinton, and Alexander Hamilton all had homes in or around the City. From the steps of the City Courthouse it was announced that New York would be the 11th state to ratify the Federal Constitution. Smith Brother Cough Drops where invented in the kitchen on Market Street and produced in the City until 1972. For more information on the history of this area, please contact the Dutchess County Historical Society.
The City posses a rich historic fabric, which is invaluable to revitalization. A majority of the commercial facades were built during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, rich with details and scaled for pedestrians. Main Street offers excellent examples of Art Deco, Italianate, Greek Revival, Romanesque Revival, and Neo-Classical design. Over 80 City homes and districts are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Many local organizations offer tours of historic places in and around the City. Please visit the following websites for more information.
Dutchess County Tourism
Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site
Franklin D. Roosevelt Home National Historic Site
Hudson River Heritage
West Point
Locust Grove
Located along the eastern bank of the Hudson River, the City of Poughkeepsie has a long history tied to the founding of America. European settlers, drawn to the abundant and unbroken waterways, first settled this area around 1687. The waterways helped power the water wheels and mills, beginning a long tradition of economic ingenuity that the City continues to demonstrate today. Spared from battle during the American Revolution, Poughkeepsie became the second capital of New York. In 1788 the Ratification Convention for New York State, which included Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, and George Clinton, assembled at the courthouse on Market Street, debated, and ratified the New York Version of the Bill of Rights to be included in the United States Constitution.
Poughkeepsie, to this day, is still the center of forward thinking in the Hudson Valley.
There is plenty going on in and around Poughkeepsie. May begins the spring concerts in the city’s numerous parks with community festivals, music, arts and crafts and children’s activities. Tempt your taste buds with a gyro from the Greek Festival at the Hellenic Center Enjoy the hot air balloons rising above the bridge during the Poughkeepsie Area Chamber of Commerce Balloon Festival.
The shore of the Hudson River is bustling during the Hudson River Arts Festival held in September. Bring your skate board for fun at the Poughkeepsie Skate Park. Climb aboard the Clearwater Sloop for an “Autumn Weekend”. Cheer on the Marist Red Foxes at Tenney Stadium. Rappel the neighboring cliffs of “The Gunks” while enjoying the fall colors. The Poughkeepsie Farmers’ Market continues from June thru October so stop by for fresh seasonal vegetables, fruit, cider and baked goods
Listen to the crunch of the snow beneath your cross country skis and you navigate the winter hillside of the city’s numerous parks on a cold winter’s day. Join fellow fishermen as they ice fish on the City’s Morgan Lake. Parade down Main Street, during the annual Festival of Lights, watch the lighting of holiday trees and enjoy the thousands of lights throughout the City.
Looking for adventure, family fun, or entertainment?
The answer lies in the quick moving bicycles through humming through the City’s streets during the Hudson Valley Velo Club Main Event Criterium.
Feel the crisp coolness of the ice and hear the cracking blades of the skates across the rink at the McCann Ice Arena located in the Mid Hudson Civic Center.
Take in a show at New York's oldest continuously operating theater, the Bardavon Opera House; gaze down onto the stage while you listen to headliner entertainment.
Feel the tug on that fishing pole as you cast it out into the waters of the Hudson to fight for the prize winning bass.
All this and many more “Wild Things” can be found in Poughkeepsie.
Located at 485 Main Street, this beautifully restored building...
