$16 Million Mixed Use Development Proposed for Manlius

[phaelon56]

I drove by those buildings this past weekend and was pondering that one myself. I suspect it would take a massive amount of money to reinforce and make those buildings structurally sound enough to make it safe and practical to adapt them to new use. But given the right incentives and perhaps some historic preservation tax breaks - surely there is a developer willing to take on that project.

Speaking of which - I know it has some structural issues... needs a new roof.... and probably has ancient mechanicals... but I think the old brick church on East Fayette behind the Renaissance Hotel also has promise. I'd love to see that converted to an artist's live./work studio space or perhaps even a restaurant.

[proulxfamily]

Took a few pics of this area today...

The front, heading south-




across the street: Sno-Top and the Village Centre (shops, library, sports' fields, police station, diner, swan AND a seperate duck pond and trails, amphitheatre, etc.)



Behind the row of buildings, where the 350-car parking will be (it's about triple the size of what the photo captures... right off of Eureka Street):

[RollsRoyce]

According to the Eagle Newspapers, a downstate developer is proposing a mixed use project along Main Street in Marcellus. Like the Manlius proposal, the developer has been working with village officials in developing a project that meets guidelines and design standards.

Here is the link:
Cnylink Local News: Public forum set for Marcellus Main Street project

[phaelon56]

Speaking of Marcellus.... I'm glad to see that this project finally got off the ground

NYREJ - Upper Crown Associates develops Upper Crown Mill: A $10 million commercial/residential condominium project

The partnership that is doing this does not appear to be connected to the downstate real estate investor who was talking up big plans for it (and for downtown Marcellus) several years ago. This plan appears to be smart growth and should meld nicely with that small community.

[urbanplanner]

It is good to see that smart growth, new urban and LEED certification concepts are being incorporated into these projects. Any insight into why Marcellus is the focus of development and investment? It seems like the town has begun a planning revitalization effort. Thanks.

[ckhthankgod]

Originally Posted by urbanplanner

It is good to see that smart growth, new urban and LEED certification concepts are being incorporated into these projects. Any insight into why Marcellus is the focus of development and investment? It seems like the town has begun a planning revitalization effort. Thanks.

I'm thinking because it is a walkable village, that has good schools and is close enough to Syracuse, but far enough away for that peace and quiet type of community some people desire.

Here's more on the condos: http://cnylink.com/cnynews/view_news...t45a3f3cbb9915

http://www.mckbuildingassociates.com/crownmill.htm

[phaelon56]

Marcellus has been an under-the-radar gem for a log time and the folks who live in that little town like it that way. Like all small communities south of the city, growth has been very slow and moderate for many years. Schools are excellent - my daughter attended K-12 there and I was well pleased with the education she received. The community itself has been slow and cautious when efforts have arisen to replace older buildings - I think that's one factor in the controlled growth. Also - it's a a bit less convenient to commute from for many people than the eastern or northern suburbs - especially on snowy days (I disagree but am stating what I think widespread perception to be.

[RollsRoyce]

I too have noticed that Marcellus is under the radar. A few weeks ago, I went to Baltimore Woods for the first time and was pleasantly surprised on how well maintained the village was and the historic nature of many homes. If Syracuse's economy started growing and people were relocating into the area, I would definitely recommend Marcellus. Although major shopping is not directly in the village, there are quite a few mom-and-pop establishments. A sizable segment of people residing in larger metropolitan areas like New York, Boston and Philadelphia have contempt for big box stores and like smaller villages with walkable downtowns, nice libraries and good schools. Many suburbs of major East Coast cities have vibrant business districts reminiscent of yesteryear. This can largely be attributed to relatively robust local economies and the presence of commuter train stations that are located in the heart of these small villages/boroughs. While the villages of Fayetteville, Manlius, and Skaneateles often attract these types of people that relocate to CNY since they have excellent schools and demographics that are somewhat similiar to their previous communities, several other Onondaga County villages like Baldwinsville, Liverpool, Marcellus, Tully, and perhaps even Elbridge and Camillus have great potential.

Marcellus with its rolling hills, nice architecture, and rural feel reminds me of New England as well as some communities in the Hudson Valley and the exurbs west of Philadelphia in Chester County.

[urbanplanner]

Thanks for all the feedback. To be honest, I have not visited Marcellus in ages. I agree with much of RollsRoyces assessment regarding Fayetteville, Manlius and Skaneateles vs. Baldwinsville, Liverpool, etc. I also agree that Marcellus (stated by ckhthankgod and phaelon56) has been under the radar. If you recall, most of the major developments have been in the northern and eastern suburbs, not to mention Camillus. However, most of those developments have been big box stores. There were efforts to develop mixed use lifestyle centers in Camilllus and Fayetteville before a little thing the global financil meltdown impacted everything (nationwide). I sincerely hope those project are revived when things stabilize and the banks start lending again. I am of the opinion that many of the towns and villages are adopting smart growth and new urban concepts. I would like to take it a step further and propose that Syracuse take Portland, Oregons example and establish a smart growth boundary around the urbanized area and the establishment of a metro planning board. Thanks again for all the input, I love these discussions. Syracuse has so much potential!!!

RollsRoyce - Where in NYC do you live? I lived in the Williamsburg area of Broolyn for 10 years, loved it!! I used to love taking the train from Penn Station to Syracuse. Remember, this was before JetBlue.

[ckhthankgod]

Originally Posted by RollsRoyce

I too have noticed that Marcellus is under the radar. A few weeks ago, I went to Baltimore Woods for the first time and was pleasantly surprised on how well maintained the village was and the historic nature of many homes. If Syracuse's economy started growing and people were relocating into the area, I would definitely recommend Marcellus. Although major shopping is not directly in the village, there are quite a few mom-and-pop establishments. A sizable segment of people residing in larger metropolitan areas like New York, Boston and Philadelphia have contempt for big box stores and like smaller villages with walkable downtowns, nice libraries and good schools. Many suburbs of major East Coast cities have vibrant business districts reminiscent of yesteryear. This can largely be attributed to relatively robust local economies and the presence of commuter train stations that are located in the heart of these small villages/boroughs. While the villages of Fayetteville, Manlius, and Skaneateles often attract these types of people that relocate to CNY since they have excellent schools and demographics that are somewhat similiar to their previous communities, several other Onondaga County villages like Baldwinsville, Liverpool, Marcellus, Tully, and perhaps even Elbridge and Camillus have great potential.

Marcellus with its rolling hills, nice architecture, and rural feel reminds me of New England as well as some communities in the Hudson Valley and the exurbs west of Philadelphia in Chester County.

So true about that last sentence. It does have a New England quality to it.

Like it has been mentioned before, it is a nice village that has been under the radar for a long time and could be a sleeping giant, in a sense, if the economy picks up again. Some of the Marcellus SD is in the town of Onondaga too. So, I wouldn't be surprised if there was more growth in that part of the district in the future.