We are Hamilton College students who spent eight weeks in the summer of 2025 studying third spaces in Utica. Through exploration of the area, we were instantly inspired by the city's authenticity, joy, and openness. We began by walking around the city and listening to the stories of locals, noticing both a strong sense of community and a lack of casual hangout spots, especially for high schoolers (aged 14 to 18). We interviewed members of various age groups and the community to gain a deeper understanding of Utica’s history and its hopes for third spaces. Conversations with locals highlighted the need for youth-centered third spaces and the decline of many third spaces overall. Focusing on this age group, we spoke with kids from programs such as On Point for College and Young Scholars to gain a deeper understanding of what local youth seek in third spaces. To truly grasp the historical change, we spoke with seniors (aged 55 and above) who grew up in the city about the evolution of these spaces and the community over time. Lastly, we found ourselves engaging with adults (ages 19 to 55) to understand the challenges they face while navigating third spaces amid their busy work schedules.