Saw Mill River Daylighting - Where is the Saw Mill River?

Look closely at the map in front of you. It shows the path of the Saw Mill River above ground and below buildings. The map also shows three phases of "daylighting," that is, opening up the river to the "light of day."

 

THE PHASES OF DAYLIGHTING

 

 

Phase opened in 2012, replaced the parking lot at Larkin Plaza with new river path, now named Van der Donck Park.

 

 

Phase is right here at Mill Street and opens up two sections of the river, which were covered by buildings, one along Warburton and another along North Broadway.

 

 

On one side, the river was hidden behind the buildings along New Hain Street. On the other side, views of the river were hidden by a chain link fence. The buildings were torn down and the fence removed to reveal the river for all to enjoy!

 

 

The footprint of the Mill Street area (bordered by North Broadway, Main Street and Warburton Avenue) is shown on

the 1876 map and identifies the "1st Water Power" and "2nd Water Power." The term "Water Power" refers to the power that comes from dam that does not completely stop water flow but creates  a pond that builds, water pressure for use in a saw or grist mill. Frederick Philipse built the first millponds in 1672. By 1867, Yonkers had six millponds in the river.

 

 

Rivers were covered up to gain land to build on in busy Industrial Yonkers (circa 1800s). Look at the brick wall where the river runs underneath the building. Now look for the brick arch in each wall. Those arches are the classic way of building over rivers without introducing steel or concrete. beams. Arches were used in early Roman building and are still used today.

Submitted by @lampbane