City of Hornell Union Square Park

After the original Union Square closed in the 1970s to make way for New York State Route 36, known as Maple City Drive, there was a lack of open public space in the area for downtown residents to enjoy. Recently, LaBella completed conceptual plans through construction drawings to transform a former dry-cleaning store and vacant lot site into the new Union Square Park in the City of Hornell, New York. Designed with public gatherings in mind, the project features multiple spaces that are linked together by an integrated walkway network.

First, a 1,000-square-foot stage was constructed to host various community events and includes a paved amphitheater for presentations, musical performances, and ceremonies. The stage is furnished with special lighting and a power supply for a sound system. A power supply was also installed to serve vendors, including food trucks. Green space with trees and shrubs around the concrete plaza will serve to host festivals, a farmers market, and other events.

An at-grade water feature and fountain create a vibrant and distinctive attraction for residents and visitors alike and can be lit at nighttime by a specially designed LED lighting system. The fountain is large enough to accommodate a large Christmas tree and some of the holiday activities for which Hornell is famous.

Walkways connect the various use areas and special features, including a memorial monument to the fallen policeman Daniel Swift, who was killed in the line of duty 50 years ago (October 24, 1973). The project also includes a lighted park entry sign, ornamental pedestrian lighting, seasonally attractive accent plantings, and site furniture.

The park construction was funded by a New York State Downtown Revitalization (DRI) program grant of $765,000 along with an additional grant from the New York State Parks Department of $376,000. The City pitched in some of their own funds for a total construction cost of over $1.2 million.