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Local site of 1830s slave rescue to see new life and development

By JOLEEN FERRIS

Story Created: Mar 19, 2010 at 4:14 PM EDT

Story Updated: Mar 19, 2010 at 5:41 PM EDT

UTICA, N.Y. (WKTV) - A downtown Utica building that was the site of dramatic slave rescue in the 1830s may soon be home to a small museum commemorating the daring escape.

City officials said they're partnering with Utica College to buy and renovate the old Hayden Building at 98 Genesee Street. The plan is to buy it from the private owner and renovate it, making a small museum and other space for the college to use.

"A genealogical research library, possibly a loft apartment for visiting scholars," were some of the possibilities listed off by Utica Commissioner of Urban and Economic Development Robert Sullivan. "So, really just to have Utica College reconnect with the city down here in this historic block would be pretty important."

That's not the only building on that block getting new life. The owner of the Black Cat Restaurant in South Utica has bought a nearby building and is putting a wine cafe there. A few doors down, city officials said there is talk of a new pizzeria and possibly billiard hall.