The Upper Hudson Research Center at Troy
Beacon Institute for Rivers and Estuaries, Clarkson University and the City of Troy, with funding and technical planning from NYS Dept of State-Division of Coastal Resources, are collaborating to build the Upper Hudson Research Center (UHRC) in Troy. The partnership builds on Clarkson University's robust capabilities in science, engineering and technologies supporting environmental research, as well as the City of Troy's waterfront planning, and Beacon Institute's mission of advancing the understanding of rivers, estuaries, and their watersheds through integrated, collaborative research and education.
The UHRC is designed as a scientific and research facility with administrative offices, teaching/training facilities, and technical and research laboratories. The UHRC will offer educational programs, including seminars designed specifically for teachers, students and citizen scientists, and enhance the City of Troy's renewal as a city with premier educational, economic and tourism opportunities.
QUICK FACTS
- The City of Troy's primary natural asset is the Hudson River. With 7.5 miles of waterfront, Troy has more linear frontage on the Hudson River than any community in the Capital District.
- The City of Troy acquired the Rensselaer Iron Works Property, the location of the UHRC, from Scolite International in 2001. The site has played an important role in the history of the iron industry dating back to the mid-nineteenth century. It is located at the confluences of the Hudson River and Poestenkill Creek, and includes approximately five acres and some 500 feet of total water frontage.
- In 2006, the City completed a strategic plan for the UHRC site as part of the South Troy Working Waterfront Revitalization Plan. The strategic plan, which identified benefits and potential public and private uses of the site, noted increased river access for the public as one important goal.
- In 2011, the partners completed a feasibility study to examine the opportunities, constraints and costs of renovating the existing building vs. constructing a new building at the site.
- The City of Troy is currently involved in the NYS Brownfield remediation program to prepare the site for use.
