Welcome to North Broadway: Yonkers’ Timeless Gem
If you ever find yourself wandering through Yonkers and crave a journey back in time, there’s perhaps no better route than North Broadway. Stretching from the vibrant heart of Getty Square northward past the stately gates of Untermyer Park, North Broadway is more than just a corridor; it’s the living, breathing memory of Yonkers itself. For generations, this neighborhood has stood as a testament to the city’s evolution, with tree-lined streets, gracious homes, and historic landmarks radiating stories waiting to be told.
The Origins of North Broadway
The story of North Broadway begins long before urban sprawl or even street names. This historic route, part of the original Albany Post Road—a lifeline for New York’s earliest settlers—served as the northern thoroughfare from the Bronx River into the blossoming communities of Westchester. By the 19th century, what we now call North Broadway became a preferred address for affluent New Yorkers seeking respite from the bustle of Manhattan.
As Yonkers took shape, the neighborhood’s name came naturally: “North Broadway” described this key artery and the residential community that grew up around it, running north from the main commercial core along Broadway. The entire area came to be known as North Broadway, or sometimes as the “Uptown” of Yonkers, signifying its status just above downtown and its historical connection to the city’s growth.
Key Historical Milestones
North Broadway’s landscape is dotted with milestones, both civic and architectural, which mark Yonkers’ journey from rural outpost to vibrant city:
- The Arrival of the Railroad (1849): The advent of the Hudson River Railroad transformed Yonkers. Wealthy families built grand Victorian homes along North Broadway, taking advantage of new commuter access to New York City.
- The Incorporation of Yonkers (1855): As Yonkers officially became a city, North Broadway emerged as a symbol of progress and refinement, its graceful homes setting the standard for other neighborhoods.
- Untermyer Gardens (1916): In the early 20th century, lawyer and philanthropist Samuel Untermyer purchased “Greystone,” his North Broadway estate, and developed it into one of America’s greatest gardens—accessible from North Broadway’s western side.
Over the decades, North Broadway welcomed prominent leaders, artists, and innovators—notably housing artists like Frederic Remington, who found inspiration in its tranquility.
Storied Landmarks and Buildings
Much of North Broadway’s enchantment reveals itself through its landmarks and architecture, which seamlessly blend past and present:
- Untermyer Park and Gardens: Just off North Broadway’s western boundary (945 North Broadway), this 43-acre public park once belonged to Untermyer’s estate. Its Persian-inspired gardens, marble columns, and panoramic views of the Hudson River draw visitors year-round.
- Philipse Manor Hall: Located nearby at Warburton Avenue, this colonial mansion, dating back to the late 1600s, was once home to the influential Philipse family and now stands as a museum, illuminating Yonkers’ colonial era.
- St. John’s Episcopal Church: Situated at 1 Hudson Street at the southern tip of North Broadway, this beautiful Gothic Revival church has anchored the community since the 1870s, with its soaring spire visible from blocks away.
- Victorian and Turn-of-the-Century Mansions: Many historic homes grace the stretch from Ashburton Avenue to Executive Boulevard—each with distinct stories, from Gilded Age retreats to Art Deco gems.
Walking the neighborhood, you’ll see broad front lawns, stone walls, and heritage trees—rustic reminders of a more pastoral Yonkers.
The Neighborhood Over Time
North Broadway has continually adapted, reflecting Yonkers’ changing face while retaining its unique flavor. During the mid-20th century, the opening of the New York State Thruway and the increasing accessibility of cars brought new residents and gradual suburbanization. Yet, the community spirit has always run deep:
- Preservation Efforts: Local groups, including the Yonkers Historical Society, have worked tirelessly to maintain North Broadway’s character, earning several properties historic designations.
- Community Dynamics: Though once almost exclusively upper-crust, the area today is home to a beautifully diverse mix of families, professionals, and retirees. The blocks north of Odell Avenue remain particularly residential and green, while the southern section near Getty Square buzzes with city energy.
- Public Institutions: Yonkers Montessori Academy and the historic Caryl School represent the neighborhood’s commitment to education. Residents also benefit from proximity to the Yonkers Public Library’s Riverfront branch.
Parks, Streets, and Institutions That Define North Broadway
No stroll through North Broadway is complete without mentioning its leafy side streets and beloved public spaces:
- Untermyer Gardens: A jewel for weddings, summertime concerts, and Sunday strolls.
- Lenoir Preserve: Positioned just north of the North Broadway area, this 40-acre nature sanctuary attracts birdwatchers and families year-round.
- Park Hill Avenue and Palisade Avenue: These storied streets, branching east and west, are filled with beautiful early 20th-century homes and gentle slopes.
- Executive Boulevard: The newer commercial strip, indicative of Yonkers’ evolution, links the neighborhood with shopping and dining options.
A Neighborhood Filled with Stories
What truly makes North Broadway special, however, is its sense of continuity. Neighbors remember the days when samovar-lit parlor rooms hosted community gatherings, or when famed actress Sarah Bernhardt visited Untermyer Gardens. Today, the autumn leaves still blanket the sidewalks, schoolchildren race down the old stone steps, and families celebrate traditions in homes that have stood for over a century.
Conclusion
North Broadway isn’t just a street—it’s a living chapter in the story of Yonkers, echoing with the footsteps of its founders, the laughter of generations, and the promise of tomorrow. Whether you’re admiring its historic gardens, exploring magnificent homes, or simply soaking in the Hudson River views, North Broadway continues to offer something rare: a place where the past is not only remembered, but cherished and preserved.
Every visit—on a quiet Sunday morning or a bustling weekday afternoon—reminds us why the heart of Yonkers still beats strongest along North Broadway.