2024 Annual Meeting

Syracuse, NY – 450 members of the Downtown community - including property owners, businesses, residents and other stakeholders - convened in the Ballroom at The Oncenter (map) for the 2024 Annual Meeting Luncheon of the Downtown Committee of Syracuse, Inc. Presented in partnership with Community Bank, the Annual Meeting is a celebration of the people and projects that have contributed to Downtown’s growth, diversity and overall vibrancy.

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

In the development pipeline, 13 projects totaling $129 million will meet the changing needs of the Downtown community – including a new childcare center, a doggy daycare and more than 120 new housing units. An additional 400 residential units are planned or underway, positioning Downtown’s population to exceed 5,000 residents by the end of 2025.

“In the ever-evolving landscape of Downtown Syracuse, the past year has been marked by an impressive influx of investments that have not only propelled the area forward, but also symbolize the continued dedication to the heart of our city,” said Merike Treier, Executive Director of the Downtown Committee of Syracuse, Inc. “This momentum in development speaks volumes about the collective vision and determination to create a vibrant and thriving city center.”

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

• Urban Innovation Award: The Urban Innovation Award is given for successful, trail-blazing activity in a previously undeveloped area or facet of Downtown Syracuse. Through her dynamic storefront on Bank Alley, Cjala Surratt has not only curated a space for Black history to shine through fashion, literature and art, but has also sparked a movement rejuvenating underutilized urban areas by activating Bank Alley. Black Citizens Brigade is not just a retail space; it's a hub for community engagement and cultural enrichment and embodies a legacy of Black entrepreneurship in the city. Cjala's establishment exemplifies of the resilience and creativity of Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs.

• Heart of Downtown Award: The Heart of Downtown Award is given for efforts that positively affect people’s feelings about Downtown Syracuse. As the founding partner and managing member of Hotel Syracuse Restoration, LLC and Brine Wells Development, LLC, Ed Riley has demonstrated his unwavering commitment to restoring and renovating historic landmarks and creating spaces for our community to gather. His efforts led to the remarkable restoration of the iconic Hotel Syracuse, which reopened as the Marriott Syracuse Downtown in 2016. Ed's dedication and passion for the preservation of our community’s rich history is truly inspiring. As we celebrate the centennial anniversary of Hotel Syracuse this August, we are reminded of Ed's invaluable contributions to our community, and we look forward to celebrating his future endeavors.

• Perfect Partner Award: The Perfect Partner Award is given to individuals and organizations whose initiatives, advocacy and commitment positively impact Downtown Syracuse. Founded in 1943, Famous Artists, also known as Broadway in Syracuse, annually presents nationally-touring Broadway shows at the historic Landmark Theatre along Downtown Syracuse’s main street. Throughout its theatrical season, Famous Artists regularly partners with Downtown businesses in creating special themed menus and limited-edition specials to promote visiting Broadway shows. This creates a one-of-a-kind experience for theatre-goers, extending their Downtown Syracuse visit and highlighting Downtown as a premier entertainment destination.

Each of the Award Winners are 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 our social media platforms as well.

 “Downtown Syracuse is a community of burgeoning growth and opportunity, and Community Bank is pleased to be in the company of so many individuals and organizations whose contributions are critical to what makes this city thrive,” said Dimitar Karaivanov, CEO of Community Bank, the 2024 presenting sponsor of the Downtown Committee of Syracuse’s Annual Meeting. “That’s why Community is proud to have announced that we’re not only expanding, but doubling down, on our commitment to Syracuse with investments in additional branch locations, including the historic State Tower building in the heart of downtown. We’re looking forward to deepening our roots in this community, supporting economic and workforce development, increasing access to financial services, and forging new pathways to partnerships that reflect the vibrant energy, rich diversity and revitalization of downtown Syracuse for many years to come.”

The Downtown Committee Annual Meeting also receives corporate support from AmeriCU, CXtec, FustCharles, SWBR and Tompkins, Media Support from the Central New York Business Journal, and Community Support from This is CNY. Please visit the Downtown Committee’s website to download a copy of the 2023-2024 Annual Report.