2022 Downtown Syracuse Annual Report

Syracuse, NY – 400 members of the Downtown community - including property owners, businesses, residents and other stakeholders – convened in the Ballroom of The Oncenter (map) for the 2022 Annual Meeting Luncheon of the Downtown Committee of Syracuse, Inc. Presented by Pathfinder Bank, the Annual Meeting is a celebration of the people and projects that have contributed to Downtown’s growth, diversity and overall vibrancy. This is the first time that the Downtown Syracuse business community has convened for such an occasion since June 2019.

In an exciting State of Downtown Report, Downtown Committee Executive Director Merike Treier highlighted the incredible growth that Downtown Syracuse has experienced this past year, and offered a preview of the projects that our community can look forward to in the next year.

The 2021-2022 fiscal year saw: More than $52 million in building redevelopment and infrastructure investments completed in Downtown Syracuse; The opening of 24 retail businesses in Downtown Syracuse, and in the next few weeks, the community can look forward to even more; and 122 residential units added to Downtown’s housing stock. Of these new additions, two-thirds of the units have been dedicated to providing affordable housing for neighbors earning moderate or lower incomes.

“This is great news, because it means Downtown’s convenience and amenities are accessible to more people,” said Merike Treier, Executive Director of the Downtown Committee of Syracuse, Inc. “If 2021 taught us about agility and resilience, 2022 reinforced Downtown’s role as a place where people can connect and come together. As we continue to re-emerge from the pandemic, we’ve learned to appreciate – even more than before – the roles we each play in building toward success. It feels like Downtown Syracuse is on the brink of the next big wave, and we can’t wait to see where we go from here.”

Downtown Awards of Excellence: Accomplishments were recognized as Ms. Treier presented the Downtown Awards of Excellence with Chairman of the Downtown Committee Board of Directors, Anthony Fiorito. The following individuals and organizations were honored for their commitment to revitalization efforts throughout Downtown Syracuse:

• Urban Innovation Award: The Urban Innovation Award, given for a trailblazing activity that’s brought new attention – and energy – to a previously underdeveloped facet of Downtown Syracuse, highlighted Corbett Corner. Located at 444 E. Genesee Street, the project – led by Icon Companies – reinvigorated the corner of E. Genesee and S. Townsend Streets with 24 new studio and one-bedroom units, resulting in a dramatic change to Downtown’s eastern gateway.
• Heart of Downtown Award: The Heart of Downtown Award, given for efforts that positively impact the way people feel about Downtown Syracuse, was given to DARWIN, a beloved Downtown Syracuse lunch restaurant which embodies the message on their sign: Good Food, Good People. The DARWIN team strives to make everyone who walks through their doors feel welcome. The owners of the sandwich destination chose to open in Downtown Syracuse because they wanted to be part of its resurgence. Now, 12 years later, they help give Downtown its heartbeat by serving up innovation, comfort and conversation to customers.
• Perfect Partner: The Perfect Partner Award, is given to individuals, businesses and organizations whose initiatives, advocacy and commitment positively benefits Downtown Syracuse and our community as a whole. Downtown Syracuse is fortunate to have several active neighborhood associations. Throughout the 2021-2022 fiscal year, the Hanover Square Association was especially active. Comprised of residents and business owners who advocate for the neighborhood by organizing community events, beautification programs and ways that the district can connect, the Hanover Square Association takes its mission very seriously.

Each of the Award Winners were highlighted in a video, produced by Daylight Blue Media. Links to the videos are provided at the Downtown Committee’s YouTube Page and will be shared across social media throughout the day as well.

The Downtown Committee Annual Meeting also receives corporate support from SWBR and Media Support from the Central New York Business Journal. Please visit the Downtown Committee’s website to download a copy of the 2021-2022 Annual Report. A transcript of Treier’s remarks is available upon request.