Syracuse (WSYR-TV) - The old Steak & Sundae building on the corner of James Street and Midler Avenue in Syracuse’s Eastwood area is getting a major facelift.
And now, new businesses have moved into the location.
Grooves Salon owner Jennifer Toole is elated by the new building. When the building received its makeover, so did her business.
“I thought it would be a great opportunity for my business to grow,” she said. “I thought it was a great location…and it looked great. And it always does.”
After just two weeks in the building, she says foot traffic by the shop has led to more walk-ins and more business.
Toole says she has tripled her staff from two to six people, enabling her to offer more services in the salon.
Groove Salon fills one of six spots in the building. A pawn shop and Fifi’s Ice Cream have also moved in, giving new life to the spot.
“Two years ago, we met neighbors here in Eastwood and this was the biggest complaint,” said Commissioner of Neighborhood and Business Development Paul Driscoll.
The former Steak & Sundae building is at a major intersection in the Eastwood area. Approximately 30,000 cars pass by the building each day. Improving the building was a major priority in the neighborhood.
Across the street, Eastwood residents can hear more sounds of progress as crews make way for a new Kinney Drugs store. Between the multiple projects in Eastwood, millions of dollars are being invested in the neighborhood.
The city believes the construction work is a billboard to other investors.
“Development is catching. When others see activity going on, it provides a safe haven for investment. It triggers others to develop,” said Driscoll.
The Kinney Drugs store should open this winter.
