Salt City Market among those recognized during Downtown Committee’s virtual annual meeting

“No project or activity embodies the essence of this award like the highly anticipated Salt City Market, which opened in January,” Treier said in her remarks. “Strategically positioned at downtown’s Southern gateway, the space was the first new construction project in downtown Syracuse in 10 years and it’s a place that represents connection and unity.”

The organization also honored Caeresa Richardson, the owner of Ecodessa (rebranded from its original name, Gypsy Freedom) at 312 S. Salina St. in Syracuse with the Heart of Downtown Award, which is given for efforts that positively affect how people feel about downtown Syracuse.

“Not only did Caeresa Richardson leave her job as an engineer to pursue her dream and passion project, she opened Ecodessa, her sustainable fashion boutique in the middle of a pandemic,” said Treier.

The Downtown Committee also recognized Onondaga County and Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon with its Perfect Partner Award, which honors advocacy and commitment that positively impacts downtown Syracuse and the community as a whole.

“When reflecting back on 2020, we challenge you to think of a better partner than Onondaga County under the always forward-thinking leadership of County Executive Ryan McMahon,” said Treier. “The county’s advocacy on behalf of area businesses to reopen helped businesses survive. The regular communications and Facebook addresses kept our community informed.”

McMahon and Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh also offered brief remarks during the organization’s noon-hour presentation.

The event also included Treier’s “State of Downtown” report, in which she reviewed ongoing projects, new apartment units, and new businesses that opened in the last year amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.