New York Construction Report staff writer
The City of Syracuse has issued requests for proposals (RFPs) to repurpose and redevelop three aging buildings used by the school district, seeking developers “with a proven ability to provide creative and inclusive land use and development strategies” for the three sites.
The properties are the District’s Administrative Offices on Harrison Street, the Johnson Vocational Center on East Genesee Street, and the maintenance facility in the former Smith Vocational Tech building on Park Avenue. For each of the sites, the city is also issuing requests for proposals to provide leased space for the staff and programs currently housed at the facilities.
The RFPs list priorities include creating permanent job opportunities for city residents; adding quality housing units in the city; and returning the properties to tax rolls.
725 Harrison St. – Administrative offices
- 62,920 sq. ft. building is on a 2.38-acre site between University Hill and Downtown and formerly housed the Washington Irving School
- built in 1927 and served as an elementary school. It became the school district central office in 1984
571-581 East Genesee St. – Johnson Vocational Center
- 50,312 sq. ft. building is on a 0.76-acre site on East Genesee Street west of Interstate 81 and was built prior to World War II as an automobile dealership
200-232 Park Ave. and Plum St. – School District Maintenance Facility
- 28,464 sq. ft. building is on a 1.06-acre site near the western edge of the downtown
- built in 1936, the one- and two-story building has been used as a workshop and office space for several decades
Inquiries will be accepted until April 26. Proposals must be submitted by May 23 and walk-throughs will be held for each of the facilities.
More information is available at Active Bids – City of Syracuse. Request copies of the RFPs at Request Documents for an Active RFP – City of Syracuse.
