SYRACUSE — The city of Syracuse nominated one of it’s iconic neighborhoods to the National Register of Historic Places.
After it was approved earlier this month, the Westcott-University neighborhood is now the largest historic district in the area with over 2,000 unique homes.
Local painter Brookelyn Ackerman shared what restoring these historic homes means to her.
"I really have a passion for seeing these houses come back to life. I come from a family who has a lot of history in helping found and build things in Syracuse, so it makes me proud and I feel like it makes my family and my ancestors proud too," Ackerman said.
The neighborhood began to form in 1870 with diverse residential design from multiple developers. The architectural styles range from the Victorian era to the 1940s. The Westcott-University neighborhood is unique in its charm, history, and community.
Local resident Brie Caufield said this historic recognition has been a long time coming and there is no one else she would rather call home.
"It’s been a place where I can be myself and have support. That’s really important these days," she said.
Caufield works in the Syracuse Women's Center. The organization has operated in a 1920s home for the past 50 years.
"Having elders, having history, seeing people who have been doing this work for so many years; it's an inspiration that we're not alone," Caufield said. "Be a part of your community. See what's here, look at the bulletin boards. Be working for a change and hopefully to build a better world."