Syracuse Sun

Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh and Syracuse City School District Superintendent Anthony Davis have announced that the City of Syracuse has issued requests for proposals (RFPs) to repurpose and redevelop three historic buildings currently used by the school district. The properties in question are the District’s Administrative Offices on Harrison Street, the Johnson Vocational Center on East Genesee Street, and the maintenance facility in the former Smith Vocational Tech building on Park Avenue.

According to the RFPs, the City's priorities include creating permanent job opportunities for city residents, adding quality housing units in the city, and returning the properties to tax rolls. Developers are being sought with a proven ability to provide creative and inclusive land use and development strategies for the three sites.

The Administrative Offices on Harrison Street, a 62,920 square foot building built in 1927, is situated between University Hill and Downtown. It was previously the Washington Irving School and became the school district central office in 1984.

The Johnson Vocational Center on East Genesee Street, a 50,312 square foot building constructed before World War II, currently houses an alternative education program that offers GED preparation programs and technical training.

The School District Maintenance Facility on Park Avenue and Plum Street, a 28,464 square foot building built in 1936, has served as a workshop and office space for several decades. It is located near Leavenworth Park and the Park Avenue neighborhood.

Inquiries for the RFPs will be accepted until April 26, with proposals for all six opportunities due on May 23. Walk-throughs will be conducted for each of the facilities offered for sale. Additional information on the RFPs can be found at Active Bids – City of Syracuse. Interested parties can request copies of the RFPs at Request Documents for an Active RFP – City of Syracuse.