HISTORY OF THE PIKE PLAN CANOPY
In the 1970s, the City of Kingston affixed a wooden canopy known as the Pike Plan Canopy to portions of structures along Wall and North Front Street in Uptown Kingston, New York. This canopy system covers the heart of the Uptown shopping district and highlights local shops. Built at the height of Urban Renewal, the Pike Plan was designed to counteract the rising mall culture which was slowly taking business away from the Uptown shopping district. By providing shoppers with an integrated shopping experience while still maintaining the integrity of local shops, the Pike Plan was responsible for the preservation of the 19th and 20th century buildings and maintained the integrity of the historic district.
The design of the Pike Plan coincided with the excitement leading America’s Bicentennial celebration, which is reflected in the design choices for the Pike Plan canopy and many of the updated storefronts. In fact, according to Architectural Historian Walter R. Wheeler, the Pike Plan is the most significant reflection of the Bicentennial remaining in Kingston today.
Further, the Pike Plan is an important art piece by locally revered artist John Pike. A report by Architectural Historian Kerri Culhane states that according to the Smithsonian Institution, Pike “studied at the Cape Cod School of Art,” before embarking on an international career as a professional artist and commercial illustrator. Pike was adept in many media but known for his watercolors. After moving to Woodstock, Pike founded the John Pike Watercolor School there in 1960. According to local press coverage, Pike was a well-known and respected fixture in Kingston, creating models for the Senate House restoration, leading art classes and giving talks.
Today, the Pike Plan Canopy provides protection from the elements, shades the buildings and creates a unique sense of place.
It has been 50 years since the Pike Plan became a recognizable feature and synonymous with the historic Uptown Kingston. To further enhance the streetscape, the Pike Plan improvements included streetlights, historic signs and improved sidewalks. Today the Pike Plan is the culmination of all these elements and tells an important story about a significant period in the City’s history.
