Also, honors difference makers SYRACUSE — A new childcare center, a doggy daycare, and more than 120 new housing units are among 13 projects totaling $129 million that are “in the development pipeline” to meet the changing needs of downtown Syracuse. An additional 400 residential units are also planned […]
Also, honors difference makers
SYRACUSE — A new childcare center, a doggy daycare, and more than 120 new housing units are among 13 projects totaling $129 million that are “in the development pipeline” to meet the changing needs of downtown Syracuse.
An additional 400 residential units are also planned or underway, positioning downtown’s population to exceed 5,000 residents by the end of 2025.
That’s according to the State of Downtown report that Merike Treier, executive director of the Downtown Committee of Syracuse Inc., delivered during the organization’s annual meeting held on June 20.
The report highlighted the growth that downtown Syracuse has had in the past year and offered a preview of upcoming projects that the community can expect in the next year, per the Downtown Committee’s announcement.
About 450 property owners, businesses, residents, and other stakeholders attended the annual meeting held in the ballroom of the Nicholas J. Pirro Convention Center at Oncenter in downtown Syracuse.
“In the ever-evolving landscape of Downtown Syracuse, the past year has been marked by an impressive influx of investments that have not only propelled the area forward, but also symbolize the continued dedication to the heart of our city,” Treier said. “This momentum in development speaks volumes about the collective vision and determination to create a vibrant and thriving city center.”
Downtown Awards of Excellence
The annual meeting also included the announcements of the Downtown Awards of Excellence to recognize the recipients’ “commitment to revitalization efforts throughout Downtown Syracuse:”
Both Treier and Tony Fiorito, chairman of the Downtown Committee’s board of directors, presented the awards.
The recipients included Cjala Surratt, who was presented with the Urban Innovation Award. Surratt is the owner of Black Citizens Brigade Vintage Co., a clothing store at 140 Bank Alley in Syracuse.
The store “has not only curated a space for Black history to shine through fashion, literature and art, but has also sparked a movement rejuvenating underutilized urban areas by activating Bank Alley,” the Downtown Committee said.
It went on to say, “Black Citizens Brigade is not just a retail space; it’s a hub for community engagement and cultural enrichment and embodies a legacy of Black entrepreneurship in the city.”
The awards program also recognized Ed Riley with the Heart of Downtown Award. Riley is the founding partner and managing member of Hotel Syracuse Restoration, LLC and Brine Wells Development, LLC.
His efforts led to the restoration of the iconic Hotel Syracuse, which reopened as the Marriott Syracuse Downtown in 2016.
“Ed’s dedication and passion for the preservation of our community’s rich history is truly inspiring. As we celebrate the centennial anniversary of Hotel Syracuse this August, we are reminded of Ed’s invaluable contributions to our community, and we look forward to celebrating his future endeavors,” the Downtown Committee said.
In addition, the Downtown Committee also recognized Famous Artists, also known as Broadway in Syracuse, with the Perfect Partner Award.
Throughout its theatrical season, Famous Artists regularly partners with downtown businesses in creating special themed menus and limited-edition specials to promote visiting Broadway shows, the Downtown Committee said.
“This creates a one-of-a-kind experience for theatre-goers, extending their Downtown Syracuse visit and highlighting Downtown as a premier entertainment destination,” the nonprofit added.
Each of the award winners are highlighted in a video produced by Daylight Blue Media. Links to the videos are provided at the Downtown Committee’s YouTube page (https://www.youtube.com/@DowntownSyracuse/videos).