Stockade Gateway Construction

Update! The fences are down and the Gateway has cleaned up nicely.

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Originally built in 1998 at the Union Street entrance to the Stockade, the Stockade Gateway deteriorated significantly over the years. In an effort to save the original trees SHF hired arborists, to no avail. In 2018, we began a campaign to rehabilitate the Gateway. Now, construction is finally underway!

A new plan honoring the original design by Werner Feibes, was developed by Mary Moore Wallinger of LAnd Art Studio. Changes include more resilient trees – disease resistant elms, and serviceberries. The invasive burning bush hedge will be replaced by native plantings. An exciting new addition will be a bronze statue honoring Dr. Elizabeth Gillette, the first licensed female surgeon in Schenectady County and the first woman elected to the NY State Assembly. Dexter Benedict sculpted this and other statues located in Schenectady’s downtown. Metroplex Development Authority and the City of Schenectady are funding the project. Initial maintenance of the landscaping will be supported by the Foundation’s John & Jean Zegger Fund, and a generous donation from Werner Feibes.

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At long last, work on renovating the Stockade Gateway has begun! New trees will include a back row of elms and a curbside row of serviceberries, growing into a canopy over the sidewalk. The invasive burning bush hedge will be replaced by native shrubs. Brick pavers will be reused. Thanks go to Metroplex and the City of Schenectady for undertaking this project. Schenectady Heritage Foundation lobbied for the project for nearly ten years and assisted landscape architect Mary Moore Wallinger with the updated design.


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UPDATE: Work on the new Stockade Gateway is now underway as of late March!

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This will improve the area of Union Street where it meets Erie Boulevard and South College Street. The work will involve removing existing trees, shrubs, and brick pavers.

New trees and shrubs will be planted. The bricks will be reused for sidewalks. An enlarged semi-circle area at the southeast corner of Union and Erie will be created to accept the statue of Dr. Elizabeth Gillette. This will include benches and historic information plaques. According to Metroplex and their contractor:

• Construction is expected to continue into early summer.
• No road closures are anticipated on Union Street except for specific construction activities which are not to extend beyond a working day.
• Pedestrian access will be maintained through the project and signage should be followed.
• The parking lot will continue to be open though a portion will be used for construction activity.