About the Project

The Cornhill Project — an effort undertaken by the Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties, People First, Mid-Utica Neighborhood Preservation Corporation, Collective Impact Network and the City of Utica—will create over 100 new apartments and 30,000 square feet of commercial and community space at two newly constructed “Impact Centers” on West and James streets in Utica’s Cornhill neighborhood. In addition to addressing the city’s affordable housing needs, the centers will seek to provide residents and the surrounding neighborhood with access to resources such as:

  • Nonprofit Partner Programs and Services
  • Community Meeting Spaces
  • Business Incubator
  • Dedicated Arts and Media Studio
  • Gym and Wellness Facility
  • Neighborhood Grocery Store

When

Project Start Date: Estimated Groundbreaking in Fall 2025

Where

1115 West Street (the “West Street Center”)
313 James Street (the “James Street Center”)
Utica, NY

Who

This project will mainly support residents and families living in Cornhill but will also help nonprofit organizations providing services in the area and will benefit the entire community as a whole. 

People Place Purpose Map

Why? People, Place, Purpose

From the beginning, people have always been the focus of the Cornhill Revitalization Project. Understanding the place is essential. Reviving the neighborhood means creating a safe and inviting location; a place residents can be proud of and one that becomes a cultural destination. The purpose behind revitalization means changing the future for the better. 

Bridge The Gap Basketball

Why? Bridge the Gap

For many decades, Cornhill has lacked access to necessary resources and opportunities that help a neighborhood thrive.

Promote Diversity Dancers

Why? Promote Diversity

Cornhill is the City of Utica's most racially and ethnically diverse neighborhood with more than 40% Black, Hispanic, Asian, or multiracial; more than 20% foreign-born, with over 40 languages spoken in the Utica City School District. It is of utmost importance to foster and care for that diversity as it is truly what makes our community so special.

Challenge Poverty Sign

Why? Challenge Poverty

In central Utica, 49% of residents live in poverty. Key quality-of-life indicators of all kinds — childhood lead poisoning, diabetes, education, obesity, joblessness — provide some alarming statistics that can be turned around in the right direction through the outputs of this project.

Impact Centers

West St cropped

West Street Center

Overview

The West Street Impact Center will provide a space for agencies to operate out of to bring services to the heart of Cornhill. This space will work to remove barriers of accessibility and affordability to create a better quality of life for Cornhill residents.

FAQs

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