“The second happiest place on Earth.”
Recently, Eastdale Village—a project developed by Kirchhoff Companies and designed by Union—was highlighted in the Congress for the New Urbanism’s (CNU) Public Square. This innovative four-block Main Street crosses US Route 44, introducing walkable streets, wide sidewalks, on-street parking, and a dynamic mix of residences, retail, and offices in a region more accustomed to historic urban centers than new urban design. By working hand-in-hand with the New York State Department of Transportation, we balanced safety and accessibility, creating a lively destination where people can gather for live music, farmer’s markets, and holiday celebrations.
Locals fondly refer to Eastdale Village as “the second happiest place on Earth,” and the development earned the 2024 Design Excellence Urban Design Award from the Urban Guild. We at Union are proud to see our collaborative vision recognized by CNU Public Square, as it underscores the importance of thoughtful, human-scaled design that helps businesses thrive and brings communities together. From small incubator cottages for new entrepreneurs to thoughtfully crafted streetscapes, Eastdale Village shows how New Urbanism can enrich Upstate New York with a sense of authenticity and place.
