Downtown Syracuse is a lively and dynamic community. It’s a place where people live, work, and play, at it’s always changing and growing.

The revitalization of downtown Syracuse reflects the collaborative efforts of community partners, residents, business owners, and investors, all driven by a shared vision for our city center. This vibrant social hub serves as a connector for people, and this united commitment has played a crucial role in making downtown Syracuse a destination known for its unforgettable experiences.

This year has been an exciting one for the Downtown Committee, as we celebrated our 50th anniversary. As an organization whose mission is downtown Syracuse’s revitalization and continued vibrancy, it’s been inspiring to look back and reflect on the early vision that our community had for downtown and the meaningful work and dedication that paved the way for where we are today.

Numerous projects throughout the years have contributed to this vibrancy, including the transformation of underutilized buildings into housing for new residents and space for emerging retail businesses. Efforts have continuously been made to uncover the original, breathtaking facades that lend our central business district its unique charm. Additionally, companies have moved to downtown Syracuse to attract talent and retain employees by establishing themselves in an urban environment that offers quality-of-life amenities for their employees.

What truly sets downtown apart is its people. Although foot traffic has been affected by the rise of hybrid work environments, the data indicates that individuals are returning to shop, dine, and enjoy their time in downtown Syracuse. We are seeing people return to the district to experience the lively culture that this community has nurtured and developed.

In 2025, downtown Syracuse had $275 million in the development pipeline. There were an anticipated 460 housing units and 245 new hotel rooms announced. These are positive trends that reflect the commitment, collaboration, and shared vision for a thriving downtown that feels welcoming to all.

Physical changes impact how people experience the downtown area. In September, downtown saw the opening of Central New York’s first STEAM School. Through partnerships, internships, mentoring, and job shadowing, the school will help prepare students for jobs in our growing STEAM fields.

CenterState CEO’s INSPYRE Innovation Hub will soon open, featuring more than 90,000 square feet of space for innovation and entrepreneurship. This reimagined space is built to spark bold ideas, accelerate growth, and support entrepreneurs at every stage.

For the first time in more than 60 years, Salina Street in downtown features two distinct theater marquees shining brightly. Earlier this summer, the Redhouse Arts Center revealed its brand-new marquee, symbolizing a vibrant future for downtown Syracuse, driven by arts, culture, and community.

As we celebrate a resurgence in downtown Syracuse, it’s essential to recognize the enduring strength of businesses that have thrived in this area for many years. These establishments form the backbone of our city center and play a crucial role in fortifying our community. In partnership with the City of Syracuse, we were proud to honor 16 downtown businesses with mayoral proclamations this past year, each of which has been a part of our landscape for more than 25 years. Notably, M. Lemp Jewelers stands out as the longest-running business in downtown, having proudly served the community for more than 135 years.

As we reflect on the progress that has been made, we also look ahead to an exciting future. Thank you to the many partners who invest their time and energy in creating a vibrant urban core. Your partnership and belief in our city center fuels this continued growth, and we look forward to celebrating many more milestones with you.      

Merike Treier is executive director of the Downtown Committee of Syracuse, Inc. In this role, she leads a team to support a dynamic, vibrant downtown and promote future growth through economic development and revitalization initiatives, marketing and events, security, and environmental maintenance. Treier is also president of the Downtown Syracuse Foundation, Inc. Contact her at MTreier@DowntownSyracuse.com.