Oh, you wanted more park?

Arnold Brunner, in proposing a vast series of improvements to the city of Albany nearly a century ago, took a good look at what had been a wasted hillside leading down to Sheridan Hollow and proposed a grand promontory. “The peculiarity of Sheridan Park, which extends from Dove to Swan Streets and from Elk Street to 100 feet from Sheridan Avenue, is that it is nearly 100 feet higher at Elk and Dove Streets than at Road Street. It is also a perfect illustration of the axiom that the property of least value for buildings may be the most valuable for parks, as it was acquired because the land was considered to be too steep for building and part of it had begun to slide.” And so he proposed a grand plan for Sheridan Park. Then, having looked at his improvements to Sheridan Park, he apparently thought his vision could be even grander. “It is strongly recommended that the city acquire the property between the present park boundary and Sheridan Avenue and also that the park be extended as shown on the map . . . Sheridan Park will be large enough for some time, but in the future its extension will be necessary as it is in the center of a thickly populated district. This can be realized by standing on the Hawk Street viaduct and noting the spread of the city toward the north.” Ahh, the Hawk Street Viaduct . . . how I wish it were still there today.

“At the foot of Eagle Street there can be an overlook with a composition of sculpture and architecture to close fittingly the vista of this important street, which should be considered as a parkway connecting Sheridan Park with Capitol Park.” Okay, that didn’t happen either. Eagle Street unceremoniously ends, and the only vista there now is a view of the new Sheridan Hollow parking garage.