Merike Treier (at podium), executive director of the Downtown Committee of Syracuse Inc., delivered the State of Downtown report during the organization’s annual meeting held Thursday afternoon at the Nicholas J. Pirro Convention Center at Oncenter in downtown Syracuse. (Vance Marriner / CNYBJ)
SYRACUSE, N.Y. — A number of projects totaling $129 million are “in the development pipeline” to meet the changing needs of downtown Syracuse
The 13 projects included a new childcare center, a doggy daycare, and more than 120 new housing units. 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 Thursday afternoon.
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 look forward to 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.
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.
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.
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