Utica is one of seven upstate New York cities that was affected by extreme economic decline, due to the decline of industrialization. Since the 1960s, once with a population of 100,410, people have lost jobs and moved away. In 2008, it reached a record 58,082 (Utica Master Plan, 2010, p.16).

 

The Utica Master Plan (2010) is the city’s plan for regaining its strength and growing its population once again. One focal point in the plan is how to improve the downtown area and ways to increase its population and community. Some of the strategies mentioned are marketing the downtown area as a perfect place for individuals to live and work in that are interested in both the arts and trades, as well as a welcoming and fun community; artwork will be used in all new construction; and the creation of a “restaurant row” (p. 45). Some of the other ways Utica will help to improve the community are renovating the existing buildings into mixed-use development that will preserve the historic architecture and implementing safe, multi-modal connectivity between neighborhoods, downtown and the waterways with bicycle and pedestrian paths and bus routes (p. 46-47).

 

The clients chosen for this residential design, Emma and Andrew, have just purchased one of the mixed-use developments. The couple admires how the city has chosen to bring life back to the area by implementing sustainable goals and strategies. Once two rowhouses, the building is now being renovated into an art gallery on the first and second floor and a residential space on the third floor. This design will only include the residential portion of the building. This young, affluent couple has a wide range of requests for their home. Emma has a bold and edgy, yet chic and luxurious style, while Andrew prefers the rustic and industrial look. On the other hand, they do agree on some things... they have a true passion for the environment, the arts and collecting vintage-inspired furniture.

 

Renovating this Utica row house for Emma and Andrew has been a challenge, but once you see the final outcome of their new home, you will see that all of their desires have been fulfilled. I am pleased to introduce you to, An Upstate New York Residence. ENJOY!