Syracuse (WSYR-TV) -- Right now, nearly $1.5 billion is being invested in Syracuse. It’s part of the effort to revitalize the city and bring more people into the heart of downtown, which was discussed Thursday morning at the annual Downtown Committee meeting.
A $25-million project is underway on the Pike Block, which will be a mix of apartments and retail space on the corner of South Salina and Fayette Street. It's just one example of the multi-faceted revitalization plan.
At least a dozen projects are in the works, making up a new look and feel for the city.
“When people come to downtown Syracuse, it literally looks different. There are new buildings making downtown much more attractive,” said Lisa Romeo with the Downtown Committee.
Brian Salzer, who works downtown says, “It’s nice to see everything being improved, being able to go out after work and have a nice area around here.”
Centro's main bus stop on South Salina Street is also moving to free up space on South Salina Street. The new hub will open on the corner of Adams and South Salina Street in about a month.
On Fayette Street a new hotel is going up. Right now, the framework is in place for the Inns at Armory Square. The $29-million project should be complete by next summer.
For those watching the progress, they see a change that’s right in line with the trends. For the first time in decades, cities across the U.S. are growing faster than the suburbs.
“It’s an enormous generational shift. People under 30 don’t want to live in the boring suburban life. They don’t mind living in a town home or duplex. They would much rather be where the action is,” said Bill Fulton with Smart Growth America. Fulton was the Keynote Speaker at Thursday's Downtown Committee event.
There will also soon be a lot more places to live in the city. This revamp will create nearly 600 new apartments and lofts.
