Auburn's Urban Renewal

Cover Image:
A building torn down between other buildings
Flint Building, 1975 - Image Source

Collection Facts

Extent:
293
Dates of Original:
1970-1979

Historical Context

Urban Renewal was a federal policy in the United States meant to address urban decay in cities by demolishing 19th century buildings and clearing out areas considered "slums."  Auburn, NY, was prosperous in the 19th century but by the 1960s, the city suffered severe traffic congestion and many empty, derelict buildings in the downtown business district.  City leaders decided to follow Urban Renewal trends and knock down dozens of buildings in downtown Auburn.  Loop Road and the Arterial road were built while historic city blocks were razed. 

Scope of Collection

About three hundred photographs taken by the Cayuga County Historian's Office in the 1970s, documenting the demolition progress of major city blocks in Auburn.