Syracuse Sun

Published on June 14, 2024

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 underway, 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 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 is set to begin in late 2025.

State funding will support pre-development site preparation work including demolition and remediation as well as infrastructure investments such as expanding water and sewer service lines.

Empire State Development President Hope Knight said: "The revitalization offers a forward-thinking opportunity to address Central New York's long-term regional priorities."

New York State Homes Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas stated: "This $29 million investment is an important first step towards transforming an abandoned campus into a thriving community."

State Senator John W. Mannion added: “Transforming this site reverses years of blight.”

State Senator Rachel May commented: “This transformation continues building on Syracuse’s progress.”

Assemblymember William Magnarelli noted: “The demolition work is necessary.”

Assemblymember Pamela Hunter remarked: “This investment will transform a long-vacant site into a vibrant hub.”

Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon emphasized: "Strategic investments in workforce development and housing are crucial."

Accelerating CNY Rising

Today's announcement complements "CNY Rising," focusing on economic growth through global market opportunities.

About Empire State Development

Empire State Development (ESD) promotes economic growth through loans grants tax credits financial assistance supporting private business investment across New York State.