Hudson Gazebo Legacy Project

We Want Your Feedback on the New Renderings! Participate in the Open Forum on the bottom of this page

Project Background

In 2026, the City of Hudson will honor 250 years of our nation’s history through special events and a legacy project as America250 is celebrated in our community. By completing a legacy project, it will showcase a meaningful way to honor our past and invest in our future.

The Gazebo Bandstand has served as the heart of the community since the late 19^th century and featured three successive bandstand structures. The first, an octagonal gazebo-style bandstand located on the clocktower green, was built around 1880. It was later replaced by a roofless platform bandstand structure on the clocktower green that stood until the mid-20th century. The current gazebo, constructed in 1976, was intentionally designed to echo the original form and built to commemorate the United States Bicentennial. After nearly five decades of use, the current gazebo and its immediate surroundings require updates to better serve the community's needs.

Today, the gazebo and surrounding green continue their historic role as a central gathering place, hosting concerts, markets, art shows, and seasonal celebrations that contribute to Hudson’s enduring historic character.

Key Improvements & Feedback

Original Scope (2/5/2026)

To ensure the project is aligned with community organization needs, the City of Hudson met with numerous Hudson organizations. Collectively, these organizations host approximately 35 events and performances on Gazebo Green. Special care will be taken to ensure that all updates respect the gazebo’s historic character. The project focuses on enhancement rather than replacement, preserving the structure’s legacy while adapting it for modern use.

1. Widen Stairway and Create Stage/Performance Area
2. Improve Landscaping and Drainage
3. Update Concrete Pad
4. Upgrade Electrical and House in the Rear of the Gazebo
5. Improve Accessibility

Feedback Results (2/16/2026)

Over the course of 10 days, we collected 371 total comments and reactions from the public and 55 poll responses. Per the poll, a majority (63.6%) would like to see the gazebo area undergo a moderate update. The core central tension was identified as historic preservation vs modernization for accessibility and expanded community use. While comments ranged in varying degrees of opposition and support, the following were the central feedback themes:

1. Preserve Historic Integrity
2. Minimize Structural Changes
3. Reduce Concrete Footprint
4. Retain Benches and Wood Railings
5. Focus on Repair and Accessibility Improvements without Altering Character

New Scope (2/18/2026)

Based on resident feedback and under the direction of City Council, a new scope and renderings were created to include the following:

1. Minimize Alterations to the Gazebo Structure (repair work and painting, keep the inside gazebo seating)
2. Improve Drainage, Electrical Systems and Landscape
3. Update Concrete Pad
4. Improve Accessibility without Altering Character (mechanic lift on the back of the gazebo, remove railing)

Updated Renderings of Proposed Changes

Project Funding

Original proposal cost was $180,000.

Updated cost estimates for the revised scope are in process. In house work to be performed by Hudson Public Power and Hudson Public Works.