Project to redevelop ShoppingTown Mall can proceed after contract signing

DeWITT, N.Y. — Onondaga County and the development group involved have signed a contract allowing the redevelopment of ShoppingTown Mall at 3649 Erie Blvd East in DeWitt to move forward.

The county’s July 20 announcement about the contract came almost a year to the day of the initial announcement about the project in July 2021.

Under the contract, Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon said the developer, OHB Redev LLC, will pay the county $8 million for the property as well as a study and closing period. The site has sat “largely vacant, dormant and abandoned for nearly a decade,” per the county’s announcement.

The study and closing period will “ensure that a thoughtful and comprehensive” development plan, with “full transparency and comment” from local residents and authorities, moves forward. It’ll move through the Onondaga County Industrial Development Agency (OCIDA); the Town of DeWitt and county permits; as well as a phased redevelopment of the site, Onondaga County said. 

The contract also includes a condition precedent to closing that would secure title to the adjacent former Sears and Macy’s stores.

OHB Redev LLC is a joint venture that includes Redev CNY; Hueber-Breuer Construction Co. Inc.; DalPos Architects; and Housing Visions. The selection of OHB Redev LLC followed a “competitive process,” Onondaga County said in its July 2021 announcement about the project. Besides the $8 million purchase, OHB Redev LLC will invest at least $300 million into the site over the course of a “several year redevelopment.”

McMahon called July 20 an “exciting day” for the community with plans to move forward with redevelopment of the former ShoppingTown Mall site. 

“My administration promised that we would make it a priority to protect the taxpayers of Onondaga County no matter who redevelops this site and the contract negotiated and executed with OHB Redev does just that,” McMahon said. “Just as important, OHB Redev is a joint-venture firm between three of Central New York’s most prevalent development companies with documented knowledge, experience and expertise in construction and redevelopment as well as an impressive and successful record with local construction and redevelopment right here in Central New York. I thank them for the partnership and look forward to seeing this long vacant property turned into a productive and vibrant destination for our community and region.”

The redeveloped site will be called District East and is expected to include a “significant” residential component; a modern movie theater; premium grocer; specialty retail; and will include services like doctors and medical offices. The project will also include new sidewalks, bike paths, walking trails, and large park and green space that will serve as a “spearhead to the recently enhanced” Empire State Trail, Onondaga County noted.

“Throughout the past 10 months we have engaged some of the most capable and creative designers and consultants to help us craft the vision for this unique project,” OHB Redev’s Ryan Benz said. “Our plans call for the wholesale demolition of the majority of the existing mall, to make way for a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly community. We’re anxious to get to work. It is an exciting time for the Town of DeWitt and for the region.”