Hinchliffe Stadium was awarded the prestigious 2024 Richard H. Driehaus Foundation National Preservation Awards from the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The awards were presented during the opening ceremony at the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s annual conference, PastForward, in New Orleans on October 28th. In partnership with Paterson, developers RPM Development Group and BAW Development led a more than $100 million rehabilitation and development project funded by federal historic tax credits, New Markets Tax Credits, Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, National Park Service (NPS) grants, state and city sources, and developer equity. Trenton based architectural firm Clarke Caton Hintz led the architecture and engineering team through the challenges of restoration and rehabilitation while providing the necessary modern amenities needed in a sports complex.
Nestled within the Great Falls National Historic Park and adjacent to the Paterson Great Falls, Hinchliffe Stadium stands as a symbol of resilience and cultural heritage. As one of five remaining Negro League ballparks, it holds a unique place in the annals of American history. Extensive efforts were required to preserve and revive Hinchliffe Stadium to transcend the triple threats against its survival: neglect, economic impracticality, and significant deterioration. As part of an overall $100 million redevelopment, the stadium was revitalized using multiple funding sources and a public-private partnership. Hinchliffe Stadium has not only been restored; the project has transformed the neglected building into a vibrant community space and economic driver for its surrounding area, while maintaining its rich historical fabric.
Hinchliffe Stadium’s historic significance cannot be overstated. It has been designated a Paterson Historic Landmark, a National Historic Landmark, and is listed on the New Jersey and National Register of Historic Places. It was constructed between 1930 and 1932 as a Depression-era project, funded through local bonds and later augmented with assistance of federal New Deal programs. This architectural marvel was envisioned by Paterson architect John Shaw, and its original picturesque setting was crafted by the renowned Olmsted Brothers. The stadium’s walls boast cream-colored concrete adorned with red terra cotta roof tiles, crowned by five gabled pilasters that once proudly flew flags. The stadium’s intricate beauty is further enhanced by custom sculpted, ornate terra cotta tiles and modillion reliefs depicting Olympic track and field athletes. During the era of racial segregation, the stadium was a symbol of civic pride and a hub for sports, entertainment events, and community gatherings. The running track and baseball diamond shared the same hallowed ground. Over thirty Hall-of-Famers have graced its field, and in 1933, it served as the site for the Negro World Series. The stadium was a gathering place for all Patersonians, including the African American community during a time of racial segregation in America. It was a venue where pride, resilience, and excellence shone through the adversity of the times.
The efforts to revitalize Hinchliffe Stadium were driven by a profound understanding of the triple threats it faced. First, historical neglect. Hinchliffe Stadium was not only a victim of the passage of time but also a reflection of a societal period that many choose to ignore. The neglect of its historical significance led to its deterioration and decay. It faced the prospect of fading into obscurity.
Second, economic impracticality. As a vacant and outdated facility, Hinchliffe Stadium struggled to find a viable economic purpose. The cost of maintaining an aging stadium with limited functionality poses a significant financial burden and risk.
Last, deterioration. In addition to its significant physical decay, the stadium became a liability for the community it once served. Closed and abandoned, it became a haven for vagrancy and drug use.
The revitalization of Hinchliffe Stadium was not a singular endeavor, but a complex and multi-faceted initiative aimed at addressing these triple threats. The project was also not solely about preserving a physical structure but also about reinvigorating the community. Stakeholder engagement and community input were essential throughout the planning and design process. The stadium’s revitalization was not imposed upon the community, but developed with its active participation to ensure a lasting relationship where the stadium can serve as an economic engine to area while extending its legacy into a new century. The support of the preservation community and at all levels was also instrumental in ultimate success of the project, beginning with the Friends of Hinchliffe Stadium and grants from the NJ Historic Trust. Early efforts for both advocacy and developing a preservation strategy were very important. Recognition on the National Trust’s Eleven Most Endangered Historic Places in 2009, and listing as an American Treasure by the Trust. Leadership by the Trust in 2014 lead to a Paterson community day Hope Crew event, and a $300,000 grant from the AMEX Foundation toward a $1.3 million pilot project to restore the stadium’s façade.
Beyond preservation, the project needed to be economically viable, building on Hinchliffe Stadium’s multifaceted role, and significant legacy to extend its presence into the future. It sought to reestablish the stadium as a focal point for the community, a place where history, culture, and sports converge. One of the key components of the revitalization was the reintroduction of minor league baseball at Hinchliffe Stadium. This move not only brought the excitement of America’s pastime back to the community but also generates revenue that offsets ongoing maintenance costs. Hinchliffe Stadium was reimagined as an educational resource as well. Paterson Public Schools, as owners and major user of the facility, offers students a unique opportunity to connect with history and sports. Building on the stadium’s historic past as a major venue for its community, the stadium’s calendar is to also have programmed events, including concerts, cultural festivals, and community gatherings.
A new building was also constructed on-site to establish a museum and provide additional dining and food services to the community. The museum not only pays homage to the history of Negro League baseball but also tells the untold stories of our nation’s segregated past. It will serve as a significant educational resource and memorial, enriching the understanding of America’s complex history.
The restoration of Hinchliffe Stadium presented unique challenges. A delicate balance was achieved to modernize the stadium while preserving its historical fabric. Current accessibility and egress requirements had to be met to ensure that the stadium was welcoming and functional for all visitors. This required the addition of ramps, elevators, restrooms and designated accessible seating. To be economically feasible, the project had to incorporate modern restroom and locker room facilities while preserving the stadium’s architectural integrity. This is essential for hosting minor league games and other events that would be broadcast to a wider audience. The installation of a state-of-the-art sound system and a digital scoreboard were also integrated into the historic fabric to enhance the overall experience for spectators during events and create a modern stadium experience. Perhaps the most delicate aspect of the restoration was salvaging as much of the historic fabric as possible. The architects and restoration teams employed surgical precision to ensure most of the concrete walls and seating bowl were preserved, maintaining the stadium’s unique character. The original bronze plaques adorning the stadium’s walls were also repaired and restored to re-establish its original character and importance within the community.
The extensive efforts to revitalize Hinchliffe Stadium are a testament to the power of collective vision, collaboration, and determination. They stand as a shining example of how historic landmarks must be revived, not only as physical structures but as vibrant and integral parts of the communities they serve.
Thank you, Mr. Giresi, for reporting on this very worthwhile and noble project. Perhaps leverage can be brought to the discussion of righting a significant wrong. It is good that MLB is integrating the career stats of Negro League players into the MLB stats. That is not good enough. Perhaps boycotts from the MLB fans can be arranged by educating the People how MLB was very culpable in systematic racism and discrimination against Blacks until Jackie Robinson broke through that barrier. The boycotts would serve to put MLB on notice that their bottom line will suffer greatly until MLB puts their money where their moth is and sets up a trust fund for EACH descendent of every Negro League ballplayer.