Connective Corridor Thread (Syracuse, Lee, Mohawk: 2009, apartments, condos)

[RollsRoyce]

Here is a new thread to track developments of the Connective Corridor project. There has been some recent momentum including the unveiling of design plans and an article in Wednesday's Post Standard regarding new restaurants that have been added to Syracuse's dining scene.


P-S coverage on design plans:
Making streets friendlier for pedestrians, bikes - CNY Speaks – syracuse.com

Public speaks at Connective Corridor hearing - CNY Speaks – syracuse.com


P-S coverage on new restaurants:
East Genesee St. restaurants, bars give Armory Square a run for its money - Today - syracuse.com

New or remodeled restaurants/bars on East Genesee Street are giving Armory Square a run for its money - Entertainment & Weekend Blog - syracuse.com


I was surprised at how many eateries have either opened or underwent significant renovations along the East Genesee Street corridor. Good news indeed!

[ckhthankgod]

Originally Posted by RollsRoyce

Here is a new thread to track developments of the Connective Corridor project. There has been some recent momentum including the unveiling of design plans and an article in Wednesday's Post Standard regarding new restaurants that have been added to Syracuse's dining scene.


P-S coverage on design plans:
Making streets friendlier for pedestrians, bikes - CNY Speaks – syracuse.com

Public speaks at Connective Corridor hearing - CNY Speaks – syracuse.com


P-S coverage on new restaurants:
East Genesee St. restaurants, bars give Armory Square a run for its money - Today - syracuse.com

New or remodeled restaurants/bars on East Genesee Street are giving Armory Square a run for its money - Entertainment & Weekend Blog - syracuse.com


I was surprised at how many eateries have either opened or underwent significant renovations along the East Genesee Street corridor. Good news indeed!

I think many are hoping that the developments along the Connective Corridor like the Center of Excellence, the hopeful development of the old Kennedy Square by Upstate Med. Center, the proximity to Syracuse Stage, the Hotels and SU might have something to do with it.

[phaelon56]

I've been to Strong Hearts and liked both the vibe and the food. I am not nor will I ever become a vegan but found food offerings I liked that were tasty and a decent value. The fact that they're open late is a huge plus. Have had breakfast at Redfield's a few times on weekends - pricey but elegant and a pleasant dining experience. I like the vibe at Stefon's Coffeehouse in the Parkview Hotel but the coffee I had there was mediocre at best. Phoebe's - for those of you who may have tried it during its protracted slump before Chris Cesta became chef - is as good as or better than it's been in many years. They still crank out the best mixed green salad and French Onion soup in town. Tried to convince my friend to join me at Dolce Vita for dinenr last night but it got too late and we didn't make it there - but it is on my list to try soon.

Toss in the presence of the Community Folk Art Gallery and Samir's Imports and we have yet another major positive development in town. As an adult who sometimes just doesn't want to deal with the party atmosphere of Armory Square on warm summer nights it's very encouraging.

And to those naysayers who think Syracuse is in decline.... we may have economic challenges now and in the future... but the cultural and progressive food/dining scene, both of which are crucial parts of attracting and retaining the right demographic for positive growth, have evolved tremendously in the past 15 years with much of that happening just in the past five years or so.

[ckhthankgod]

Originally Posted by phaelon56

I've been to Strong Hearts and liked both the vibe and the food. I am not nor will I ever become a vegan but found food offerings I liked that were tasty and a decent value. The fact that they're open late is a huge plus. Have had breakfast at Redfield's a few times on weekends - pricey but elegant and a pleasant dining experience. I like the vibe at Stefon's Coffeehouse in the Parkview Hotel but the coffee I had there was mediocre at best. Phoebe's - for those of you who may have tried it during its protracted slump before Chris Cesta became chef - is as good as or better than it's been in many years. They still crank out the best mixed green salad and French Onion soup in town. Tried to convince my friend to join me at Dolce Vita for dinenr last night but it got too late and we didn't make it there - but it is on my list to try soon.

Toss in the presence of the Community Folk Art Gallery and Samir's Imports and we have yet another major positive development in town. As an adult who sometimes just doesn't want to deal with the party atmosphere of Armory Square on warm summer nights it's very encouraging.

And to those naysayers who think Syracuse is in decline.... we may have economic challenges now and in the future... but the cultural and progressive food/dining scene, both of which are crucial parts of attracting and retaining the right demographic for positive growth, have evolved tremendously in the past 15 years with much of that happening just in the past five years or so.

So true....I think the cultural aspect of the city has been on the rise and is very much underrated. There is a very good arts scene, with offerings in that area of East Genesee Street as well. So, I hope this continues, so there are more options for the community.

[RollsRoyce]

Originally Posted by ckhthankgod

So true....I think the cultural aspect of the city has been on the rise and is very much underrated. There is a very good arts scene, with offerings in that area of East Genesee Street as well. So, I hope this continues, so there are more options for the community.

Once the credit markets and national economy recover, the next logical step for this neighborhood would be to develop housing units above some of the storefronts and new mixed-use structures on vacant lots and side streets. Provided the Biotech Research Center, Center of Excellence, Institute of Human Performance Expansion, and further development projects at SUNY Upstate get off the ground and attract researchers and other spinoff businesses, this area which I call the Medical and Arts Corridor could really change the face of Syracuse. Adding dense mid-rise housing in the form of condos and market rate apartments could also increase population and reverse a half century of sharp declines. With the plethora of cultural and food options in the neighborhood as well as a growing employment base University Hill could be an attractive place to live. Throw in a medium sized supermarket, more good paying jobs and all of the dynamic eateries that have recently opened, the possibilities are endless.

[phaelon56]

If or should I say when some mid price range condos are developed I'd certainly be on the list to buy one. I anticipate selling my house within 10 - 15 years and looking for a housing option that will be lower maintenance and more energy efficient. It's a great neighborhood with huge upside potential.

East Genesee Street from South Beech to Walnut Place has seen noticeable improvements in residential stock over the past five years, Housing Vision has done a yeoman's job with their developments on and near the parallel blocks of East Fayette and the long overdue shut-down of Kennedy Square is yet another positive note.

I wish I could afford the building I've had my eye on for a few years... if I was ever going to open a specialty coffee roasting / cafe / food operation in Syracuse that would be my target area.

[ckhthankgod]

Originally Posted by RollsRoyce

Once the credit markets and national economy recover, the next logical step for this neighborhood would be to develop housing units above some of the storefronts and new mixed-use structures on vacant lots and side streets. Provided the Biotech Research Center, Center of Excellence, Institute of Human Performance Expansion, and further development projects at SUNY Upstate get off the ground and attract researchers and other spinoff businesses, this area which I call the Medical and Arts Corridor could really change the face of Syracuse. Adding dense mid-rise housing in the form of condos and market rate apartments could also increase population and reverse a half century of sharp declines. With the plethora of cultural and food options in the neighborhood as well as a growing employment base University Hill could be an attractive place to live. Throw in a medium sized supermarket, more good paying jobs and all of the dynamic eateries that have recently opened, the possibilities are endless.

Exactly! Considering that the places of employment on University Hill the most solid places in terms of employment, I think that area could be a spark in the city of Syracuse. If the plans for nice housing in that area go up, it will definitely be a place of high demand. News10
Now is also close by and you might be able to attract those that work there to live in the area as well.

This can also connect Downtown not only to University Hill and the East Genesee Arts and Medical corridor, but to Westcott Street and the other East side neighborhoods.

[phaelon56]

Despite the current economic conditions it appears that Norm Swanson's condo project at the old Salt City Playhouse (aka the former Temple Adath Yeshurun) is proceeding. He's been a very positive influence in that area going all the way back to Executive Quarters (suites type lodging that is now the Parkview Hotel)... the Mayflower Apartments (now part of the Genesee Grande Complex) and of course.... his gradual conversion of the dumpy old Mohawk Motor Inn to the current Genesee Grande property.

My recollection of the press on the condo project is that they fully anticipated all the units to be sold by the time is completed. Not surprising as the units in Madison Court started in the high 30's or mid 40's when Madison School was converted to 1BR condos and now get snapped up in the $130K to 160K range when they become available.

I believe he also owns the old armory at the corner of University and Fayette. At one time there were plans to make that into some sort of wedding/banquet/catering facility but it seems to have been in limbo for a long time. That corner will soon be ripe for development.

[ckhthankgod]

Originally Posted by phaelon56

Despite the current economic conditions it appears that Norm Swanson's condo project at the old Salt City Playhouse (aka the former Temple Adath Yeshurun) is proceeding. He's been a very positive influence in that area going all the way back to Executive Quarters (suites type lodging that is now the Parkview Hotel)... the Mayflower Apartments (now part of the Genesee Grande Complex) and of course.... his gradual conversion of the dumpy old Mohawk Motor Inn to the current Genesee Grande property.

My recollection of the press on the condo project is that they fully anticipated all the units to be sold by the time is completed. Not surprising as the units in Madison Court started in the high 30's or mid 40's when Madison School was converted to 1BR condos and now get snapped up in the $130K to 160K range when they become available.

I believe he also owns the old armory at the corner of University and Fayette. At one time there were plans to make that into some sort of wedding/banquet/catering facility but it seems to have been in limbo for a long time. That corner will soon be ripe for development.

I've been wondering what was going on with the old Armory. Maybe that can be a great location for a supermarket. I heard a rumor once that a Target was possibly going to be slated in the area. I heard the old
Kennedy Square location was a possibility, but I don't know how serious this was or is.

[RollsRoyce]

Originally Posted by phaelon56

Despite the current economic conditions it appears that Norm Swanson's condo project at the old Salt City Playhouse (aka the former Temple Adath Yeshurun) is proceeding. He's been a very positive influence in that area going all the way back to Executive Quarters (suites type lodging that is now the Parkview Hotel)... the Mayflower Apartments (now part of the Genesee Grande Complex) and of course.... his gradual conversion of the dumpy old Mohawk Motor Inn to the current Genesee Grande property.

My recollection of the press on the condo project is that they fully anticipated all the units to be sold by the time is completed. Not surprising as the units in Madison Court started in the high 30's or mid 40's when Madison School was converted to 1BR condos and now get snapped up in the $130K to 160K range when they become available.

I believe he also owns the old armory at the corner of University and Fayette. At one time there were plans to make that into some sort of wedding/banquet/catering facility but it seems to have been in limbo for a long time. That corner will soon be ripe for development.

It's funny you should mention this as I was thinking about the planned condo project yesterday after discussing the need for housing on this forum. Norm requested the Common Council at their January meeting approve office space instead of residential use to give him time to secure funding for the proposed residential portion. Now it appears he has scrapped the condo component of the project and is planning to create the city's "First LEED gold certified hotel." I recall he incorporated a business called "Hotel Skyler LLC" that has its address at the former Temple Adath. After searching "Hotel Skyler" in google I was able to find this website: Hotel Skyler yesterday.

Although I'm not against more boutique hotels, I would have preferred the condos. More residential units would have complemented the Madison Street adaptive re-use project that has by all accounts been a success. This could have further gentrified the area also.