The Village of Scotia, located in Schenectady County, is a small, close-knit community that provides a number of amenities to its residents, including an excellent park system and access to the Mohawk River. The main street of the Village is a popular civic and commercial area. The public library, post office, a church, movie theater, and restaurants, as well as a number of retail shops line the street. However, the Village lacked a central civic focal space that could be used for public ceremonies and events.

Synthesis identified an underused area along the street in front of a public parking lot and designed an attractive gathering space that includes a raised podium, defined by a low stone retaining wall and ornamental metal fence. A handsome street clock, set on a base that includes a sign panel used to announce special events, provides vertical interest. Plantings were selected for year-round interest. Paving detail combines concrete sidewalk with brick insets. Benches offer comfortable seating set back from the walkway and pedestrian-scale light fixtures illuminate the area for evening use.