New York Construction Report staff writer
Renovations at the historic City Center have turned the site into a mixed-use facility, part of a transformation underway in downtown Syracuse, a $4.1 million project.
The four-story building includes 240,000 sq. ft. of commercial space and an attached 750-car parking garage. Among the companies operational at the new facility are project developer and construction manager The Hayner Hoyt Corporation; all-domain defense and technologies partner Huntington Ingalls Industries; green IT technology company CXtec/TERACAI; and Tompkins Community Bank. The renowned Redhouse Arts Center, a partial building owner, is also located on-site.
Renovations follow several major investments to revitalize Syracuse’s central commercial district, including the revitalization of the historic Hotel Syracuse, expansion of The Tech Garden, the creation of the Salt City Market, renovation of the former Excellus building into the Icon Tower multi-use facility, redevelopment of the former Post-Standard building and the establishment of JMA Wireless’s global headquarters on Cortland Avenue.
In 2021, the city was named as a round five, $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative winner. That effort serves as a cornerstone of the state’s economic development policy, meant to transform downtown neighborhoods into vibrant centers of activity that offer a high quality of life and attract redevelopment, businesses, jobs, and economic and housing diversity. More information about City Center is available here.
“City Center is one of many transformational projects that are bringing new life to storied buildings in the heart of Syracuse,” Empire State Development president, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said in a statement. Through the support of DRI and other targeted investments, we are helping to create a more vibrant and connected downtown, and a brighter future for this incredible region.”
CNY Rising is the region’s comprehensive strategy to generate robust economic growth and community development. The regionally designed plan focuses on capitalizing on global market opportunities, strengthening entrepreneurship and creating an inclusive economy.
“The redevelopment of City Center breathes new life into the former Sibley’s building, a key project in the resurgence of downtown,” said Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh. “The mixed-use facility will bring jobs, entertainment and business opportunities and contribute to economic growth in our region.”
