Mayor Walsh and Goveror Hochul Announce Demolition at Former SDC Site
Published on June 14, 2024
This press release is shared from New York State Office of the Governor.
GOVERNOR HOCHUL ANNOUNCES PROGRESS TOWARD TRANSFORMING FORMER SYRACUSE DEVELOPMENTAL CENTER SITE INTO VIBRANT, MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT
Demolition of Long-Vacant 600,000 Square-Foot Structure Will Make Way for More Than 250 New Homes, 7.5 Acres of Green Space, and 3,600 Square Feet of Retail as Part of Phase I Construction
Investment Complements “CNY Rising” – The Region’s Comprehensive Strategy to Revitalize Communities and Grow the Economy
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced progress toward the $100 million transformation of the former Syracuse Developmental Center into a vibrant, mixed-use development in the city of Syracuse. Demolition work has commenced at 800-2 S. Wilbur Avenue, making way for more than 250 new homes, 7.5 acres of green space, and 3,600 square feet of retail commercial space as part of the first phase of construction to redevelop the site. The project, which is receiving up to $29 million in state funding, will help to support the statewide goals of increasing New York’s housing supply with new market-rate and affordable options and establishing a regional job hub to help drive the local economy.
“With demolition under way, we are transforming the long-abandoned Syracuse Developmental Center into high quality, mixed-use, mixed-income housing that will rejuvenate this community,” Governor Hochul said. “You don’t win transformative projects like Micron without building and investing, and we will continue to work with local leaders like Mayor Walsh to keep building the housing we need, keep investing in new opportunity, and keep driving toward an economy of the future.”
Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh said, “Demolition of the former Syracuse Developmental Center is a critical step toward the long-awaited transformation of this property. The site has been a neighborhood eyesore and public safety concern for years. Getting it back on the tax roll and into productive use will be a catalyst for continued investment in Syracuse’s westside. The 47-acre site is ideally suited to meet the growing need for quality mixed-income housing and high-tech manufacturing space in Syracuse. I thank Governor Hochul for making this long-awaited transformative mixed-use project a reality.”
The redevelopment of the 600,000 square-foot Syracuse Developmental Center is a multi-phase, mixed-use project that will include hundreds of new housing units, an advanced manufacturing facility with office space, vibrant new green space, and retail. Phase I of the project, which is set to begin in late 2025, will include more than 250 new units of housing, 7.5 acres of green space, and 3,600 square feet of retail space. The project will help Syracuse and the surrounding Central New York region prepare for the arrival of Micron, whose $100 billion commitment to build a new campus in the Town of Clay will create 50,000 new jobs over the next 20 years.
State funding will support pre-development site preparation work, including the demolition and remediation of the existing structures on the site as well as infrastructure investments to expand water and sewer service lines, roads and sidewalks, tree planting, canopy and lighting throughout the site. Mohawk Valley contractor Ritter & Paratore Contracting Inc. has been selected to undertake the demolition/environmental remediation of the existing structures and grading of the site in the building demolition location.
Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Hope Knight said, "The revitalization of the long-vacant Syracuse Developmental Center offers a forward-thinking opportunity to address Central New York's long-term regional priorities. Inspired by Governor Hochul’s unwavering commitment to both expand the economy and enhance affordability, our investment in this project will create jobs and residential options in Syracuse and the broader community for years to come."
New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, "This $29 million investment is the all-important first step to realizing the complete transformation of an abandoned campus into a thriving community once again. HCR looks forward to helping the city of Syracuse realize the full potential of this site, with at least 250 new homes, healthy open space, retail and job training facilities. This is a great step forward and I commend Governor Hochul’s vision and the commitment of the legislature and all of the partners who are making this project possible. We are all in this together and headed for a brighter future."
State Senator John W. Mannion said, “As a lifelong Central New Yorker who watched the companies, and the jobs leave in the seventies, eighties, and nineties – it’s incredible to be a part of the revitalization we are seeing across the region. Transforming the former Syracuse Developmental Center site into a new mixed-use housing and manufacturing hub is reversing years of blight and urban decay. I commend Governor Hochul for her continued focus on the needs of Central New York and am eager to see the positive impact this development will have on our communities.”
State Senator Rachel May said, “The transformation of the Syracuse Developmental Center site is a long-awaited step to continue building on Syracuse’s progress. This is a great opportunity to turn the long-neglected site into a mixed-use property, including affordable housing. With our housing crisis and the arrival of Micron, we urgently need to expand our housing options, and this project, along with others, is a step in the right direction. Thank you to Governor Hochul for her commitment to revitalizing this area for the benefit of Central New York residents.”
Assemblymember William Magnarelli said, “As a young man I actually worked on the construction of the Syracuse Developmental Center. Although it brings back memories, the demolition work is necessary and will benefit not only the west side of Syracuse but the entire City. I look forward to the completion of this project and commend Governor Hochul for her support.”
Assemblymember Pamela Hunter said, “The demolition of the former Syracuse Developmental Center marks a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to revitalize Central New York. This $29 million investment, spearheaded by Governor Hochul, will transform a long-vacant site into a vibrant hub of economic activity and mixed-income housing. By addressing both commercial and residential needs, this project will not only create jobs but also provide much-needed affordable housing for our growing community. I am excited to see the positive impact this development will have on Syracuse and the broader region, and I commend all involved for their commitment to making this vision a reality.”
Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon said, “As a growing community, it is important that we make strategic investments in both workforce development and housing. We need to have the resources available to train people for the jobs of tomorrow while also ensuring they have a place to live. The redevelopment of the Syracuse Developmental Center accomplishes all of that and more. Today marks an important step in making this redevelopment a reality and I want to thank all the partners that worked together to make today possible.”
Accelerating CNY Rising
Today's announcement complements “CNY Rising” the region’s comprehensive strategy to generate robust economic growth and community development. The regionally designed plan focuses on capitalizing on global market opportunities, strengthening entrepreneurship and creating an inclusive economy. More information is available here.
About Empire State Development
Empire State Development (ESD) is New York’s chief economic development agency (www.esd.ny.gov). The mission of ESD is to promote a vigorous and growing economy, encourage the creation of new job and economic opportunities, increase revenues to the State and its municipalities, and achieve stable and diversified local economies. Through the use of loans, grants, tax credits and other forms of financial assistance, ESD strives to enhance private business investment and growth to spur job creation and support prosperous communities across New York State. ESD is also the primary administrative agency overseeing the Regional Economic Development Councils and the marketing of “I LOVE NY" the State’s iconic tourism brand. For more information on Regional Councils and Empire State Development, visit www.regionalcouncils.ny.gov and www.esd.ny.gov.