Synthesis, in conjunction with an active neighborhood group, Auburn City officials, and Kent Environmental Planning, created a vision for the Dunn & McCarthy neighborhood that aims at revitalizing the neighborhood, while recognizing its past and preserving its heritage. The design team conducted a series of community meetings that provided members of the Dunn & McCarthy Neighborhood with the opportunity to voice their opinions about their neighborhood. This information was used to develop a series of plans that provided a graphic vision for addressing local problems and improving the neighborhood.

The design concept for the Dunn & McCarthy neighborhood re-focuses the city on the Owasco River which was the major natural resource that allowed Auburn to boom as a center for industry. The design reconnects the city to the river, allowing it to become a focal area and resource for the neighborhood The plan includes improvements to three gateway street corridors that will transition from the residential area to the downtown and will encourage economic development and enable development of green space.