Recapping the Downtown Committee’s 2025 annual meeting

More than $290 million in projects highlighted

SYRACUSE — More than $290 million in development activity is either announced or underway in downtown Syracuse, including the ongoing renovation and expansion of CenterState CEO’s INSPYRE Innovation Hub (the former Tech Garden), which will open this fall. In addition, the War Memorial’s Upstate Medical University Arena is undergoing upgrades to improve seating and accessibility. The $292 million in projects also includes new housing units that are planned at the redevelopment of 250 Harrison St., the work at Mizpah Towers, the property at 420-430 East Genesee St., and the Chimes building across from the Salt City Market. In addition, the War Memorial’s Upstate Medical University Arena is undergoing upgrades to improve seating and accessibility, and CenterState CEO’s INSPYRE Innovation Hub (the former Tech Garden) will open this fall. The development activity was highlighted in the State of Downtown report that Merike Treier, executive director of the Downtown Committee of Syracuse, Inc., delivered during the organization’s annual-meeting luncheon held June 18 in the ballroom of the Nicholas J. Pirro Convention Center at Oncenter. More than 400 members of the downtown community — including property owners, businesses, residents and other stakeholders — gathered for the event. The State of Downtown report also included details about the work that underway at Hanover Square Park with plans for restoration of the original 1981 fountain, with improved lighting and more seating. In addition, the City of Syracuse, in partnership with the Syracuse Firefighters Memorial Fund, will invest funds to improve Fayette Firefighters Memorial Park. The Downtown Committee also used the event to acknowledge an organizational milestone, something it considers a “remarkable achievement” — 50 years of “playing an essential role in shaping the heart of the city.” “A 50th anniversary is an exciting milestone. It’s an opportunity to celebrate the work we’ve achieved and reinforce that a strong city center benefits our entire region,” Treier said in the Downtown Committee’s announcement. “We are fortunate to work with strong leadership and community partners, which have been instrumental in the shared success we experience.” As the steward of the district, the Downtown Committee says it “actively supports the city center and is essential in establishing a foundation for future growth,” per its announcement. The Downtown Committee also acknowledged the work of Daylight Blue Media for producing three videos used during the annual meeting. The videos “narrated the story of the past, emphasized the present, and built excitement for the future.” The videos “illustrated the significant role” the Downtown Committee has played in “establishing a vibrant, inclusive, and thriving center” for all Central New York. Featured in the videos were guest speakers who have supported the Downtown Committee through the decades including Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon and Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh, along with Downtown Committee board members and community supporters.