Greater Utica Magazine Cover – April 2020 – Devereux Block Utica NY History

The April 2020 cover of Greater Utica Magazine features the history of the Devereux Block Utica NY, one of the city’s most distinctive and historically significant commercial buildings. Located at 140 Genesee Street, this five-story triangular structure was built in 1845 by Irish immigrant brothers John and Nicholas Devereux, early bankers and developers who played a major role in shaping Utica’s financial and commercial landscape.

The Devereux Block Utica NY quickly became a prominent business hub near Bagg’s Square, serving as a center of commerce during a period of rapid growth fueled by the Erie Canal and expanding industry. Its unique flatiron-style design made it one of the most recognizable buildings in downtown Utica.

The site itself holds even deeper historical significance. As early as 1821, the Devereux brothers operated a mercantile business on the property, also providing a secure place for local residents—particularly Irish laborers working on the Erie Canal—to store their money. This practice eventually evolved into the creation of the Savings Bank of Utica, linking the building directly to the city’s financial origins.

For more than a century, the Devereux Block Utica NY stood as a symbol of entrepreneurship and development in the Mohawk Valley. However, after surviving decades of change, the building was lost following a devastating fire in 1990, marking the end of one of Utica’s historic architectural landmarks.

This cover highlights not only the building itself but also the broader story of immigration, commerce, and urban development that helped define downtown Utica.