CNY BUSINESS JOURNAL revitalize SYRACUSE IV

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SEPTEMBER 21, 2020 I ISSUE 38 I $9.99

revitalize IV pub.indd 57 8/26/20 4:21 PM Making an Impact for our Customers for our Community

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revitalize IV pub.indd 1 8/25/20 4:46 PM TABLE OF CONTENTS A WORD FROM OUR SPONSORS 4 Downtown Syracuse's revival paused by pandemic but not reversed 6 Adopt-A-Block volunteer effort pursues cleanup of Central New York has been Syracuse neighborhoods our home for over 160 years. 8 Group to redevelop historic Franklin Square properties 10 Gypsy Freedom retail shop opens in downtown Syracuse We live where you live, work where you work, and succeed when you succeed. 12 Salvation Army emergency family shelter renovated in As our regionWe livecontinues where to grow you and live,thrive, workour vision where remains youthe same: to be nearly $400K project the localwork, bank our and community succeed trusts when. you succeed. As our region continues to grow and thrive, 14 Salt City Market scheduled for late November opening We’re dedicated to upholding our strong history of building relationships, investingour in what vision our community remains cares the aboutsame:, and to earning be the the trust 16 Oncenter, Redhouse Arts Center qualify for tax credit for of our locallocal people bank and businesses our community each and every trusts day. But above. all, film shoots we’re here to listen.

18 Syracuse Arts & Crafts Festival is recognized among We listenWe’re to you, wededicated learn about yourto upholding needs and goals, our and we offer nation's "200 Best" art shows personalizedstrong solutions history to help of youbuilding reach them. relationships, Our products and services reflect investingour experiences, in and what we know our our community story begins with cares you. 20 Onondaga Creekwalk now extends behind Kirk Park on city's South Side CentralWhetherabout you’re New a small, and business York earning looking has the to been streamline trust of your our daily local operations ouror a family homepeople purchasing for and their over businessesfirst home, 160 we’re years. here each to help and. every 22 Hillside changes name, announces new board of day. But above all, we’re here to listen. governors 27 UNIQUE art exhibit continues at Everson through Sept. 27 To learn more about us and our Wepersonalized live wherWee approach listenyou live, to towork banking, you, where we you learn work, aboutand succeed when you succeed. Asstop our in region atyour one continues of needs our 10 locationsto and grow goals, and thrive, and our we vision offer remains the same: to be thethroughout localpersonalized bank Onondaga our community and Oswego solutions trusts . to help you Sponsors: counties,reach give us athem. call at Our products and services We’re315-343-0057 dedicated ,to or upholding visit our strong history of building relationships, investingwww.pathfinderbank.comreflect in what our our community experiences,. cares about and, andwe earningknow ourthe trust of our localstory people begins and businesses with you each .and every day. But above all, we’re here to listen.

We listenWhether to you, we learn you’re about a your small needs business and goals, lookingand we offer Endorsed By: personalizedto streamline solutions to yourhelp you daily reach operations them. Our products or aand services reflect ourfamily experiences, purchasing and we know their our storyfirst begins home, with we’re you. here to help. The Central New York Whether you’re a small business looking to streamline your daily operations BUSINESS JOURNAL or a family purchasing their first home, we’re here to help.

SEPTEMBER 21, 2020 VOL. XXXIV, NO. 38 NEWS SALES

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Dony Bardenett • [email protected] To learn more about us and our Adam Rombel • [email protected] Kelly Bailey • [email protected] STAFF WRITER personalized approach to banking, Eric Reinhardt • [email protected] CIRCULATION stop in at one of our 10 locations CREATIVE DIRECTOR Circulation Management • (315) 579-3927 Erin Zehr • [email protected] throughout Onondaga and Oswego ADMINISTRATIVE RESEARCH DIRECTOR PUBLISHER counties, give us a call at Vance Marriner • [email protected] Marny Nesher • [email protected] 315-343-0057, or visit CONTRIBUTING EDITOR BUSINESS MANAGER Maria J. Carbonaro • [email protected] Kurt Bramer • [email protected] www.pathfinderbank.com. CONTRIBUTING WRITER Amaris Elliott-Engel

Cover photograph courtesy of Zoey Advertising

2 I REVITALIZE SYRACUSE: THE DOWNTOWN TRANSFORMATION IV

revitalize IV pub.indd 2 8/25/20 4:59 PM A WORD FROM OUR SPONSORS

Sponsor Message

As a leading electricity and gas supplier in the At Tompkins Trust Company, we have always strived to provide United States, ENGIE is proud to support the outstanding support to our clients and communities. Now more Syracuse, Buffalo, and Rochester, NY markets than ever, we remain committed to helping our clients and in shaping a sustainable future by helping communities navigate through these challenging times by providing customers lower the regions environmental continued exceptional assistance. impact and improve commodity price positions. Tompkins has remained incredibly responsive to the needs of the By tailoring plans to meet specic operational community during the coronavirus pandemic and has continued to lend priorities and objectives – whether that to consumers and businesses throughout the uncertainties presented involves managing commodity risks, adding by COVID. I am happy to share that the greatest number of PPP loans in more visibility into energy operations, or Tompkins County was awarded by Tompkins Trust Company. offsetting capital expenses of efciency or

onsite generation – we enable cost savings Throughout the pandemic, our entire team has remained available and and energy reduction opportunities to ready to help. By offering financial advice, loan programs, including our improve performance. own loan deferral program, and help with the federal CARES Act PPP loan ENGIE’s energy experts help customers program, we have continued to provide guidance for local businesses and navigate our diversied suite of traditional individuals to weather this storm. and clean power plans and natural gas products to effectively manage risks and We are committed to providing continued support and financial achieve scal goals. ENGIE 20/20 provides a assistance as our communities begin to recover and thrive once more. window into energy strategies to further identify opportunities to reduce costs and As Central New York’s community bank, local is at the heart of who we are consumption and improve positions. and what we do. We work hard to provide innovative financial services to

the businesses and residents of the communities we serve. We keep our ENGIE Agility delivers holistic demand manage- ment to optimize facility performance and loans local, putting your deposits to work for people right here in your move energy strategies to monetization. And community. ENGIE Advantage offers simple, on-bill nanc- ing of capital-intensive projects to reduce We understand that today’s small business owner needs to be able to overall energy spend and deliver an immediate apply for a loan on their schedule. We offer a variety of digital services improvement in the cost structure of the which give you fast, secure access to your accounts and banking tools products and services offered by your business. right at your fingertips as well as Digital Wallet, Mobile Check Deposit, and E-statements. Additionally, Tompkins Trust Company is proud to be These capabilities, combined with our customer an industry leader in providing innovative small business lending solutions centric approach, advance the environmental through our Lightning Loans online application program. and scal objectives of our customers and set ENGIE apart from other suppliers in the market. Lightning Loans allows borrowers to easily apply for a loan at their We believe that this unique blend of skills and convenience. These digital services provide our customers with the perks abilities can be leveraged by virtually any large of innovation as well as the advantages of being local. The Trust Company commercial and industrial customers to build is dedicated to helping small business owners get the money they need to the most optimal path forward that benets expand and grow their ideas as well as meet their business objectives. their business for the long-term.

But we recognize the benets won’t end there. Although Lightning Loans offers the convenience of an all-online process, By working with our customers to strike the the personal touch of community banking remains available as a unique right balance in terms of cost and consumption, and valuable resource. The team at our full-service Financial Center at we can all ensure a positive, more environmen- 6872 East Genesee Street in Fayetteville is available to complete loan tally-focused future for everyone – for Upstate applications in person, or to help applicants throughout the process. New York and far beyond. For more information on how we can help you and your business, visit J.D. Burrows TompkinsTrust.com, or stop into the Syracuse Office at Lyndon Corners to Vice President of Customer Engagement, experience the power of local. Analytics & Strategy ENGIE -Greg Hartz President and CEO, Tompkins Trust Company

REVITALIZE SYRACUSE: THE DOWNTOWN TRANSFORMATION IV I 3

revitalize IV pub.indd 3 8/25/20 5:01 PM Downtown Syracuse’s revival paused by pandemic but not reversed

The Weekends on Walton program closed down Walton Street to expand space for outdoor dining each Friday through Saturday during part of the summer. ADAM ROMBEL/ CNYBJ

BY ADAM ROMBEL It has been driven by-public-private partnerships “We were feeling incredibly optimistic about all of Journal Staff that have spurred redevelopment of sometimes the development projects that were underway. We [email protected] dilapidated buildings into vibrant new loft apart- had so many new businesses opening in spaces that ments, office space, and a mix of retail with bars/ previously had been vacant,” she says. “It was for restaurants. us as an organization a very exciting time. We were The downtown population grew 70 percent since in the middle of our programming. We had a whole 2010, much of it young, and hundreds of millions of season of programs lined up. And then one month Downtown dollars have been pumped into redevelopment of the later everything changed very drastically.” Syracuse has city’s core. So what did COVID do to alter that story? The growing downtown population has helped to “It has pretty much has put a pause on everything been experienc- attract businesses to the area and convinced others … for quite some time,” Treier says. “When the pan- already there to expand their workforces. demic started, I think there was a lot of uncertainty ing a rebirth for So it was against this backdrop that the Downtown about what that might mean for the future of our the better part of Committee of Syracuse — a private, not-for-profit, community in general.” professional downtown management organization the last decade, that represents all property owners and tenants Pivoting amid COVID-19 within the city’s central business district — entered Businesses and their leaders were forced to adapt. with increased 2020 full of optimism with a rosy outlook about the Many offices started to transition to remote work revival continuing. environments. The pandemic also dealt a huge blow momentum in the Then COVID-19 happened. to restaurant/bar businesses and retailers. Some last few years. In an Aug. 18 interview, CNYBJ asked Merike of them were able to remain open and transition to Treier, executive director of the Downtown takeout/delivery models. As summer arrived, out- Committee, to take a step back in time and encapsu- door dining became a big part of the action. late where things stood in mid-February. “I think everyone at the same time was learning

4 I REVITALIZE SYRACUSE: THE DOWNTOWN TRANSFORMATION IV

revitalize IV pub.indd 4 8/25/20 5:02 PM about how we live in this new world. I think some businesses were able to pivot to more of an online presence. Or if they didn’t have an online presence, take this time to create [one],” says Treier. Businesses became nimble and creative. Treier mentions the example of The Sweet Praxis, a bakery located at 203 E. Water St. It closed down its in-bakery operations but pivoted to offering baking kits for pickup and delivery. Baking became very popular as more people were stuck at home amid the coronavirus crisis. Some downtown retailers also tried to offer home-delivery ser- vices for longtime clients. “So even though everything was paused, we still saw a lot of agility and creativity coming from our business owners …. and how they pivot, transition, and adapt to the new world around us,” Treier asserts. The Hudson Building at 239-245 W. Fayette St., where the Hudson Lofts recently opened, offering upscale About 29,000 employees work for companies in residential living. ADAM ROMBEL/CNYBJ downtown Syracuse. At press time, the Downtown Committee was in the process of gauging how few years has been the growth of downtown living. The population Merike Treier. many of those workers were at home and how has continued to grow, largely buoyed by all the apartments that have many had returned to the workplace. been converted from old industrial buildings and other uses to create For the companies the Downtown Committee had surveyed so far vibrant, upscale, exciting apartment living for professionals and oth- as of Aug. 18, Treier says it was “fairly evenly split, in terms of a third ers in the downtown area. being back in terms of their capacity, a third [of companies] maybe How did the coronavirus crisis affect this? close to 50 percent of their capacity, and a third maybe more at full “As far as the residential development, every housing project capacity.” that did not include affordable housing was paused” amid New York It varies a lot depending on the employer. State’s pandemic-related restrictions. “If you were building affordable “Some companies have been surveying employees on a monthly housing you were able to maintain your construction activity,” Treier basis to see how comfortable they are returning to work. Besides the says. That’s why the $24 million Salt City Market project continued uncertainty and across-the-board timeline, employers are looking to (see story, p. 14). provide a comfortable workspace for their employees. So that seems Under the “NY PAUSE” directive, non-essential businesses were to be what’s driving a lot of the decision-making.” shut across the state starting March 22. For regions that met seven re- opening requirements, the first phase of reopening of businesses start- Residential development One of the notable stories of the success of downtown in the last 4DOWNTOWN SYRACUSE, CONTINUED ON PAGE 44

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revitalize IV pub.indd 5 8/25/20 6:46 PM Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh helping to clean a portion of the city of Syracuse. The “Clean Up ‘Cuse Adopt-a-Block” program is an initiative that seeks to have volunteers help clean up neighborhoods of their choice in Syracuse or anywhere in Onondaga County. PHOTO CREDIT: THE CITY OF SYRACUSE

Adopt-a-Block volunteer effort pursues cleanup of Syracuse neighborhoods

BY ERIC REINHARDT ticipants of the Adopt-a-Block program gath- Onondaga County’s efforts to “keep lit- Journal Staff I e [email protected] ered on July 13 at Loguen Park in Syracuse ter out of sewer systems and ultimately for an event to begin the year-long, litter Onondaga Lake,” per a document about the SYRACUSE — The “Clean Up ‘Cuse Adopt- clean-up effort. Adopt-a-Block program. a-Block” program is an initiative that seeks So far, 125 teams from different orga- The “Save the Rain” program is a com- to have volunteers help clean up neighbor- nizations, businesses, and neighborhoods prehensive stormwater-management plan hoods of their choice in Syracuse or any- have signed up to clean blocks they have intended to reduce pollution to Onondaga where in Onondaga County. adopted, Maldonado-Lewis notes. Lake and its tributaries. During wet-weath- “The purpose of it is to get individuals, Interested groups can focus their efforts er events, stormwater flows into the local organizations, school, businesses, churches in Syracuse or anywhere in the county. sewer system, causing heavy-flow periods … everyone to get together to volunteer “Anywhere in the city of Syracuse and that can overload the system, according to and take responsibility [for] two blocks with the connections that we have with Save the county’s Save the Rain website. or more to clean and beautify neighbor- the Rain, if the person was interested in hoods,” says Maria Maldonado-Lewis, con- doing something in Onondaga County, we’d Gathering guidelines stituent-service advocate in the office of just collaborate,” she says. This year, in response to Gov. Andrew Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh. Cuomo’s executive order, volunteers will Besides the work of keeping litter off the Syracuse, Onondaga County be required to take additional precautions streets, the effort also seeks to have people coordination to further prevent any potential infection get to know their neighbors, communi- The coordinated efforts to “beautify the transmissions. All future group cleanups ty members, and those around them, she city one block at a time” have been spear- will include masks and social distancing, in adds. Maldonado-Lewis spoke to CNYBJ headed by constituent services in Walsh’s addition to the limitations on the number of on Aug. 21. office, in collaboration with the Onondaga people allowed to congregate within prox- Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh, Onondaga County Save the Rain program. County Executive Ryan McMahon, and par- The city’s program seeks to support 4ADOPT-A-BLOCK, CONTINUED ON PAGE 48

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revitalize IV pub.indd 6 8/26/20 1:22 PM A LEADER IN BUILDING A BETTER SYRACUSE

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REVITALIZE SYRACUSE: THE DOWNTOWN TRANSFORMATION IV I 7

revitalize IV pub.indd 7 8/25/20 5:05 PM A rendering of the Merrell-Soule and Syracuse Scale buildings, illustrating what is to become of the buildings. RENDERING CREDIT: MACKNIGHT ARCHITECTS

SYRACUSE — In the continued rede- Merrell-Soule later made an even more velopment of Franklin Square from its successful milk powder product on site Group to industrial past, developer Lahinch Group before the factory was purchased by LLC, co-developer Morrisroe Lynn the Borden Food Products Company. Development LLC, and construction firm Borden manufactured dairy products and redevelop William H. Lane Inc. have a project to re- mince-meat there and then conducted develop the two properties at 600 North food research and development until sell- Franklin St. and 156 Solar St. ing the building in 1997 to paper products historic The two projects, expected to break company Dupli. ground within the next year, will cover The Merrell-Soule Building will tran- 200,000 square feet and four acres, says sition from being the home of industrial Joseph Gehm, managing member of food to hopefully bringing a restaurant Franklin Lahinch Group, a Syracuse–based real to Franklin Square as well as expanded estate and development company. space for the Central Rock Gym and The structures to be redeveloped are about 40 loft apartments, Gehm says. Square the Merrell-Soule Building (also known “There is a need for food and beverage as the Dupli building) and the Amphion in Franklin Square with all the people Piano Player Building (also known as the who live and work down here,” Gehm properties Syracuse Scale Co. building). says. “I am making it my goal to find a bar Phase one of the redevelopments is or restaurant to come down here. A lot of the Merrell-Soule project, totaling about our tenants ask, ‘When are we getting a $9 million, and including about 40 apart- bar and a restaurant?’” Projects will cost about ments and 12,000 square feet of commer- The Merrell-Soule building is almost cial and retail space, says Gehm. 10 buildings in one, including cut-out $20 million in total According to the registration with areas for cold storage of vats of ice cream, the National Register of Historic Places, Gehm says. The cold-storage facilities the Merrell-Soule Building on North will not be redeveloped because windows Franklin Street was built in 1904 on a lot are not allowed to be added in that part of BY AMARIS ELLIOTT-ENGEL Contributing Writer I [email protected] parceled out of salt marshes to manufac- the building by New York State Historic ture the Merrell-Soule Company’s None Preservation Office, he says. Such Mince Meat, a spiced blend of fruit and meat with a long shelf life. 4FRANKLIN SQUARE, CONTINUED ON PAGE 48

t Far left: The Amphion Piano Player Build- ing (also known as the Syracuse Scale Co. building), located at 156 Solar St. in the Franklin Square area of Syracuse. The building is scheduled to be redeveloped into apartments as well as commercial and retail space.

t The Merrell-Soule Building (also known as the Dupli building), located at 600 North Franklin St in Syracuse’s Franklin Square. A redevelopment project is slated to create apartments, expand a gym already in the building, and hopefully add a restaurant/ ADAM ROMBEL/ CNYBJ ADAM ROMBEL/ CNYBJ bar, developers say.

8 I REVITALIZE SYRACUSE: THE DOWNTOWN TRANSFORMATION IV

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revitalize IV pub.indd 9 8/25/20 5:07 PM Gypsy Freedom retail shop opens in downtown Syracuse

SYRACUSE — Gypsy Freedom — described as the region’s “first sustainable fashion company” that sells women’s clothing and accessories — on Aug. 31 opened in the Pike Block building at 312 S. Salina St. in downtown Syracuse.

BY ERIC REINHARDT “I’d mentioned to [Tidd] in a few for years before I decided to make this Journal Staff I e [email protected] conversations that I was interested in decision,” she says. transitioning my business this way,” Richardson says. Growing the business aeresa Richardson, who is an engi- VIP Structures managed the Richardson says she recognizes the neer and a Buffalo native, is the sole space-preparation effort and hired the risk involved with opening a retail store- owner of Gypsy Freedom. project subcontractors. Richardson also front during a time when many are clos- C The store operates in a 950-square- worked with Cara Donahue of Get Fresh ing their doors in light of the COVID-19 foot space with a few hundred ad- pandemic. ditional square feet for storage, She launched Gypsy Freedom as Richardson tells CNYBJ in an Aug. an online retailer in December 2019 14 interview. and has hosted pop-up shopping Gypsy Freedom fuses “art, social events and virtual-shopping oppor- responsibility, fashion and technol- tunities. ogy.” The clothing options include Starting Gypsy Freedom online, ethical, sustainable, and “socially augmented by the pop-up shops, conscious” fashion brands. was part of her business plan. She Richardson is a 2007 graduate held pop-up events in Skaneateles, of Syracuse University, earning a at Original Grain and Wildflowers bachelor’s degree in mechanical en- Armory in downtown Syracuse, and gineering, with a minor in fashion at locations in Buffalo. design. DFREEDOM GYPSY CREDIT: PHOTO “I used it as a way to test out Richardson describes her vision “My intention was always to open a the market, do some market re- for the business this way: “I truly search, test out pricing and sizes, believe in fashion as an art form permanent showroom for the store and learn about retail,” says Richardson. and want to help people realize that “My intention was always to open a they can be stylish and conscious I used my pop-up as way to see where permanent showroom for the store at the same time.” She adds, “With that would be the most successful.” and I used my pop-up [events] as a all of the innovative technology and way to see where that would be the advancements in textiles and manu- — Caeresa Richardson, owner of Gypsy Freedom most successful.” facturing there is a way for fashion Richardson curates each col- to coexist with our global need to lection and partners with brands focus on sustainability.” Industries, a commercial interior design around the world that use “ethical” pro- When asked about the derivation and graphic-design firm in Buffalo, to duction practices and “eco-friendly” ma- of the store’s name, Gypsy Freedom, design the space. terials, and also partners with nonprofits. Richardson defines it as representing “a Richardson will start out as the lone “We have about 15 different brands free-spirited individual who lives without employee of Gypsy Freedom but says that I carry currently in this store. And hindrance or restraint.” she will be seeking to hire someone to that’s a mixture of apparel, jewelry … start working by October. She’s also look- beauty and some gift items and home Securing the space ing to bring on a couple interns. items, like custom pottery and things like Gypsy Freedom leases its Pike Block Richardson declined to disclose the that,” says Richardson. space from VIP Structures whose amount she is spending to open her The apparel brands include Half chairman and CEO is David Nutting. downtown retail store, but notes that she United, Tonle’, and Synergy, she adds. Richardson and Nutting’s daughter, Meg is self-funding the effort. The Gypsy Freedom showroom is Tidd, VIP’s chief operating officer, are “I’ve always been planning to open my open Monday through Friday from 10 part of the board of directors of the own business, so [my husband and I] a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 Gifford Foundation. were setting aside savings and have been p.m.; and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

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revitalize IV pub.indd 10 8/25/20 5:20 PM Private-shopping opportu- nities will also be avail- able afterhours Monday through Saturday “by ap- pointment only.” “I’m hoping that this is not just a retail store. I real- ly want this space to be an extension of the services and products that I offer, so we will be curating sus- tainable-focused events in this space. We will be curating private-shopping experiences, so my store hours actually include [time] for private shop- ping by appointment, so I will need an employee to help with that expansion,” Richardson explains. Community involvement Prior to launch- ing Gypsy Freedom, Richardson was the man- ager of National Grid’s street-lighting depart- ment. She also previously worked for Eaton Corp. (NYSE: ETN), which owns Cooper Crouse-Hinds of Syracuse. As a business counsel- or at the WISE Women’s Business Center, Richardson assists other area women business owners. “WISE received a grant as part of the [federal] CARES Act to provide free, one-on-one business counseling to business owners who were affected by [the] COVID [pandem- ic],” she tells CNYBJ. Richardson is also a member of the Dean’s Council for the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Syracuse University’s College of Engineering & Computer Science. n

u Caeresa Richardson, a Buffalo native and a 2007 graduate of Syracuse University, owns and operates Gypsy Freedom at 312 S. Salina St. in downtown Syracuse.

PHOTO CREDIT: GYPSY FREEDOM

REVITALIZE SYRACUSE: THE DOWNTOWN TRANSFORMATION IV I 11

revitalize IV pub.indd 11 8/25/20 5:09 PM p The recent renovation work at the Salvation Army emergency Salvation Army emergency family shelter included new equipment and toys in the indoor playroom. family shelter renovated in PHOTO CREDIT: SALVATION ARMY nearly $400K project

BY ERIC REINHARDT white with three earth-tone accent colors. Journal Staff I e [email protected] New furniture for the community living room and dining room are also part of the SYRACUSE — Crews recently completed project, the Salvation Army said. renovation work at the Salvation Army “We are so fortunate to have the hu- emergency family shelter that was fi- man-service organizations in our com- p The Salvation Army says nearly $400,000 in donations helped nanced by nearly $400,000 in donations munity that help those in need, especially pay for renovation work at its emergency family shelter. from the Hayner Hoyt Corporation, a The Salvation Army,” Jeremy Thurston, Donors included the Syracuse–based construction firm, the Hayner Hoyt Corporation, which contributed $250,000 to the Syracuse–based construction company, president of Hayner Hoyt, said in a renovation project. as well as other community partners. statement. “We are grateful to all of the PHOTO CREDIT: SALVATION ARMY Those working on the project installed Salvation Army Syracuse Area services 42 new thermal windows and window team members for the meaningful and shades; six custom storage units; seven wonderful work you do in our communi- The New York State Office of wardrobes for client and program sup- ty! It would not be the same without you. Temporary and Disability Assistance plies; a new heating, ventilation, and air We’re proud to honor the legacy of our (OTDA) and Homeless Housing and conditioning (HVAC) system; a new floor founders, Don Hayner and Dick Hoyt, by Assistance Program (HHAP) provided cover for the elevator; new playground giving back to support the vital emergen- $100,000 in funds for the new windows equipment and outdoor play surface; and cy family shelter.” and HVAC system. new play equipment for the indoor play The Reisman Foundation contribut- room at the emergency family shelter, Donors ed $20,000 to the project. The Boeheim including all-new toys. Hayner Hoyt donated $250,000 toward Foundation donated $15,000 for the new The entire facility was painted linen the project. playground. n

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revitalize IV pub.indd 12 8/25/20 5:11 PM ARCHITECTURE | ENGINEERING | CONSTRUCTION | DEVELOPMENT VIPSTRUCTURES.COM

revitalize IV pub.indd 13 8/26/20 2:29 PM BY ERIC REINHARDT Cake Bar, Erma’s Island provid- Journal Staff ing “Jamaican dining at its best,” Salt City [email protected] Mamma Hai, and Miss Prissy’s, per the market’s website. SYRACUSE — The Salt City Market Jacobs says the Salt City Market Market — a $24 million mixed-use project will also have two more tenants: at 484 S. Salina St. in downtown Baghdad, a Middle Eastern restau- Syracuse — remains on schedule rant, and Farm Girl Juicery / scheduled for completion and opening in late Catalpa Flowers, a micro stall serv- November. ing cold-pressed juices and smooth- That’s according to Maarten ies and selling flower bouquets. for late Jacobs, the project’s executive di- In addition to the food merchants, rector. the first floor of the Salt City Market Jacobs also serves as director will include a 2,100-square-foot gro- of community prosperity with the cery store, as well as a coffee shop November Allyn Family Foundation, which has that transitions to a bar in the after- offices in Syracuse and Skaneateles. noon/evenings. The two anchor tenants in the opening 78,000-square-foot, four-story build- About the project ing are the Syracuse Cooperative The Allyn Family Foundation Market and Salt City Coffee. Other wanted to take an “underutilized or tenants include food entrepreneurs blighted” corner of the downtown Essential construction project like SOULutions Sley’s Southern area and “revitalize it,” says Jacobs. Cuisine, Big in Burma, Firecracker The organization saw progress was not slowed by the pandemic Thai Kitchen, Pie’s The Limit, happening in downtown and wanted

Construction work continues on the upcoming Salt City Market at 484 S. Salina St. in Syracuse. Its completion and opening are expected in late November.

ERIC REINHARDT / CNYBJ

14 I REVITALIZE SYRACUSE: THE DOWNTOWN TRANSFORMATION IV

revitalize IV pub.indd 14 8/25/20 5:36 PM to be a “connector” between the revi- people can come together and eat and nancing the effort, using a line of credit talization of downtown and some of the have a new space in Syracuse,” says against the foundation’s endowment, neighborhoods that “could be poised for Jacobs. according to Jacobs. Once the project revitalization but haven’t been to date,” is complete, the foundation will shift to referencing some neighborhoods along Construction effort permanent financing, he adds. South Salina Street and West Onondaga It’s a design-build project by “We created a separate nonprofit Street. Syracuse–based VIP Structures, says called the Syracuse Urban Partnership “That’s really why we selected that Jacobs. to do the project and manage it and to location,” he says. Subcontractors on the project in- own the building,” says Jacobs. Besides the food-related tenants, the clude Raulli & Sons, Inc., which is Salt City Market will also include 26 handling the steel work, and Century Project origin apartments and space for the Allyn Heating & Air Conditioning Inc., which The Salt City Market is based on Family Foundation. is doing the heating, ventilation, and a model built by the Neighborhood “With our apartments, we’ve been air-conditioning work on the project. Development Center (NDC) located in really intentional to make sure that The Salt City Market construction Minneapolis. there’s affordable units that will always effort has continued throughout the The nonprofit NDC has helped start be affordable to lower-income individ- state’s pandemic restrictions. The more than 400 businesses in the Twin uals and we’ll also have market-rate project qualified as an essential con- Cities region. Many of those busi- apartments as well,” says Jacobs struction project because it includes af- ness launched in the Midtown Global The main part of the building is the fordable housing, according to Jacobs. Market, a large public market owned first floor and the food hall, which is VIP Structures also partnered with and managed by NDC. intended to “create wealth-building op- Environmental Design & Research, NDC has “long had a connection portunities primarily for entrepreneurs Landscape Architecture, Engineering, to Syracuse” through its partnership of color.” & Environmental Services, D.P.C. of with the Upstart program, which The Salt City Market allows entre- Syracuse, along with New York City– CenterState CEO operates. Through preneurs to start in a small space, test based iCRAVE and Minneapolis, that existing relationship, the Allyn out their business, build it, and decide Minnesota–based Snow Kreilich to de- Family Foundation teamed up with if that’s what they want to do. sign the interior food hall and the exte- CenterState CEO and NDC to develop “That’s really the focus of the first rior shell, respectively. a “similar concept” for the food hall that floor and just creating a space where The Allyn Family Foundation is fi- is under construction in Syracuse. n

9 NEWS- MAK-

REVITALIZE SYRACUSE: THE DOWNTOWN TRANSFORMATION IV I 15

revitalize IV pub.indd 15 8/25/20 5:37 PM Oncenter, Redhouse Arts Center qualify for tax credit for film shoots

Approved as qualified production facilities p The Visit Syracuse film offi e says the state has approved the Redhouse Arts Center as a qualified production facility where a crew could do film shoots and qualify for the New York film tax credit. ERIC REINHARDT / CNYBJ

BY ERIC REINHARDT Journal Staff I e [email protected]

SYRACUSE — The Oncenter and the Redhouse Arts Center in downtown Syracuse have been added as quali- fied production facilities (QPFs) within Onondaga County, which will make them more attractive financially for film shoots. Film productions in New York are re- quired to use qualified facilities in order to receive the New York State film tax credit. The Visit Syracuse film office — in conjunction with Onondaga County, the Redhouse Arts Center, and ASM Global — on July 27 announced the venues as new QPFs. ASM Global is a Los Angeles–based venue-management company that manag- es the Oncenter. Using the available space within the Oncenter and Redhouse Arts Center, along with the existing QPF space avail- p The Visit Syracuse film offi e says the state has approved the Oncenter facilities, including the Nicholas J. Pirro Convention Center, as a qualified production facility where a crew could conduct film shoots and qualify for the New York film tax credit. ERIC REINHARDT / CNYBJ able at the Greater Syracuse Soundstage (previously known as the film hub at 24 Aspen Park Blvd. East in DeWitt), Central community safe. Development, according to Vinal. New York has “dramatically increased” “And with the Oncenter and Redhouse The qualifications include the facility existing space available for film produc- having some down time … the timing needs to have more than 7,000 square tion, per Visit Syracuse. just worked out to reach out to them as feet of space with 16-foot ceilings and “When a film shoots in our region, and colleagues and say what can we do in soundproofing. they want to qualify for the New York the film industry to maybe help you guys “The state’s happy to have them qual- State tax-incentive program … they have maybe with some supplemental income ify because it just brings more folks our to shoot in a QPF in the region,” says Eric or get some film production to come your direction; gives people downstate more Vinal, VP of film, TV & entertainment at way,” says Vinal. options; people in Buffalo, Rochester, Visit Syracuse. He spoke with CNYBJ on Albany, and Binghamton more options,” Aug. 18. Getting approved says Vinal. As the COVID-19 pandemic contin- Both organizations completed an Some older facilities can be grandfa- ues, one of the “biggest challenges” that application to get approved as a QPF thered in, he notes. filmmakers face is social distancing and through the New York State Governor’s continuing to keep their crews, cast, and Office of Motion Picture & Television 4FILM SHOOTS, CONTINUED ON PAGE 46

16 I REVITALIZE SYRACUSE: THE DOWNTOWN TRANSFORMATION IV

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NBT_CommercialNY_8.175x10.875BLEEDS.inddNBT_CommercialNY_8.175x10.875BLEEDS.indd 1 1 8/11/20208/11/2020 9:51:43 9:51:43AM AM NBT_CommercialNY_8.175x10.875BLEEDS.indd 1 8/11/2020 9:51:43 AM p Pictured is the 2018 AmeriCU Syracuse Arts & Crafts Festival. The magazine Sunshine Artist has recognized the festival, listing it at number 84 on its ranking of the “200 Best” art shows in the U.S. ADAM ROMBEL / CNYBJ Syracuse Arts & Crafts Festival recognized among nation’s “200 Best” art shows

BY ERIC REINHARDT Syracuse, said in a statement. “Since this dis- from around the nation. Journal Staff I e [email protected] tinction comes from the artists themselves, In most cases, artwork may be pur- our team is very proud to earn this recog- chased online, directly through the artists’ SYRACUSE — The AmeriCU Syracuse nition. While we are disappointed that we websites, and social-media pages. Arts & Crafts Festival has earned some couldn’t physically be together to enjoy the In the virtual show, visitors will find national recognition as its 2020 virtual festival and family-friendly atmosphere this links to contemporary arts and crafts, in- version remains available online. past July, we are very excited for our 50th cluding ceramics, sculpture, photography, Sunshine Artist magazine has recog- anniversary celebration next year. In the woodwork, jewelry, and clothing. nized the event as one of the top art shows meantime, we hope that the community will The Downtown Committee has also in the U.S. continue to browse the virtual presentation been highlighting samples of the artists’ Sunshine Artist — a trade publication of the 2020 Arts & Crafts Festival online as works across its social-media platforms. and resource used by artists — recognized well as visit our downtown businesses that Followers will also find tips about where the Syracuse Arts & Crafts Festival on its feature locally-made artisan pieces.” to find artwork and noteworthy collections list of the “200 Best” shows at number 84, The Downtown Committee on July 8 throughout downtown Syracuse. the Downtown Committee of Syracuse, announced the virtual presentation, which The Syracuse Arts & Crafts Festival is Inc. announced on Aug. 13. remains available on the Downtown scheduled to return to downtown Syracuse The honor is “especially significant” be- Committee’s website. The link will be for an in-person show next summer — July cause the participating artists have input live “for the forseeable future,” Alice 23-25, 2021. Presented in partnership with into the list. Artists vote for their favorite Maggiore, director of communications for Rome–based credit union AmeriCU, the art shows, based on potential revenue, the Downtown Committee of Syracuse, festival includes artwork, summer refresh- while considering factors including ame- Inc., tells CNYBJ in an email. ments, and entertainment. nities, attendance, management, overall The event’s first-ever virtual presenta- The Syracuse Arts & Crafts Festival quality, and hospitality, per the Downtown tion — caused by the COVID-19 pandemic is the “longest-running” festival in down- Committee. making an in-person show not possible town Syracuse. The annual show attracts “What an honor!” Merike Treier, execu- this year — features seven categories of as many as 50,000 people, the Downtown tive director of the Downtown Committee of artwork, including more than 180 artists Committee said. n

18 I REVITALIZE SYRACUSE: THE DOWNTOWN TRANSFORMATION IV

revitalize IV pub.indd 18 8/25/20 5:40 PM UNCOMMONEXPERISE UNMATCHEDIMPACT UNCOMMON EXPERTISE. UNCOMMONEXPERISEMULTIFAMILY FINANCE UNMATCHEDNEW CONSTRUCTION | PERMANENT IMPACT. FINANCING UNMATCHEDIMPACTACQUISITION | REFINANCE | REHAB MULTIFAMILY FINANCE UNCOMMONEXPERISENEW CONSTRUCTION | PERMANENT FINANCING UNMATCHEDIMPACTACQUISITION | REFINANCE | REHAB UNCOMMONEXPERISE UNMATCHEDIMPACT

UNCOMMONEXPERISE tions in all directions. A second option is to build a tunnel that would take the roadway under the city. A third option is to construct a depressed highway, which would expedite traffic and cost less than the tunnel to build and maintain. The fourth option is called the community grid. It calls for demolishing the viaduct and mak- ing improvements to I-481, UNMATCHEDIMPACT which … [circumnavigates] the city. Almond Street, which underlies the existing viaduct, would be reconstructed as a surface street with bicycle/ pedestrian amenities and the potential for an aesthetic redesign, along with the recapture of valuable property to enhance the city’s growth and UNCOMMONEXPERISE contribute to the tax base. The community grid would utilize the existing street network and provide better access to the Hill, while eliminating the viaduct that currently divides the city. We’re expecting that the state will [soon] issue a report on the options, and we’re also anticipating a draft of the environmental-impact statement. Hopefully, we might even have a decision this year. Whatever the decision is, it will UNMATCHEDIMPACT have a huge impact on our downtown development.” Urban Burgs In downtown Syracuse, millennial demand for residential living shows no sign of abating. Larger American cities, however, UNCOMMONEXPERISE are showing signs of a millennial outmigration. As early as 2013, demographers, economists, and real-estate consultants sug- gested that the inflow of young professionals was cresting. Apartment rents in San Francisco, Washington, Denver, Miami, and New York have either moderated or declined according to the Zillow Group. Research suggests that millennials may not be as enamored of urban life as portrayed in the media. The Urban Land Institute, in a 2015 report titled “Gen Y and Housing,” The Addis Building 449-453 South Salina Street, Syracuse, NY found that only 13 percent of millennials actually lived in or near downtowns; the rest resided in other city neighborhoods, UNMATCHEDIMPACT the suburbs, or in rural settings. The older millennial group is showing signs of moving to the suburbs in search of bigger homes and better school districts, a pattern that suggests the draw of the suburbs after five decades is still strong. The rationale supporting a move back to the suburbs is that millennials have been stuck REVITALIZING CENTRAL NEW YORK in cities because of the 2008 downturn UNCOMMONEXPERISE with attendant poor job prospects, declining & THE SYRACUSE COMMUNITY wages, and student-loan debt making it hard to buy a home in the suburbs. Suburbs around the country are taking $996 MILLION IN MULTIFAMILY FINANCING note, and some are creating a hybrid to UNMATCHEDIMPACT offer the best of both worlds. Suburban 18,000+ UNITS planners are adapting new-urban principles emphasizing diversity in community design and in population with elements that are UNCOMMONEXPERISE pedestrian- and transit-friendly as well as NICHOLAS V. PETRAGNANI,JR. environmentally conscious. These “urban [email protected] burgs” incorporate affordable, mixed-hous- ing consisting of single-family, townhouses, and apartments. To accommodate the millennials’ desire for social interaction, planners ensure UNMATCHEDIMPACT315.484.5184 there are restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and public spaces for community gathering. The urban-burbs planners are also aware that Gen communityp.com

revitalize IV pub.indd 19 8/26/20 2:02 PM Onondaga Creekwalk now extends behind Kirk Park on city’s South Side The second phase of the Onondaga Creekwalk extends from Armory Square into an area behind Kirk Park.

ERIC REINHARDT / CNYBJ

SYRACUSE — The Onondaga Creekwalk now way to Onondaga Lake,” the mayor said. “And the Phase II project ends at Rockland and Hunt Avenues behind Kirk section from Armory Square down to Kirk Park, Park, following a 2.2-mile extension of the path’s the new section, is just absolutely beautiful. You cost over first phase. see parts of the creek that people have never seen Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh on July 1 joined before. The landscaping is gorgeous. Some of the $11 million community partners who contributed to the historic architecture along the way is beautiful and project to announce at a time when more the opening of the people are out using BY ERIC REINHARDT second phase of the our parks and public Journal Staff Creekwalk trail “after “You see parts of the creek that people spaces, the timing [email protected] a six-year process,” couldn’t be better the City of Syracuse have never seen before.” for this amazing new said in a news release. amenity.” Walsh called — Ben Walsh, Syracuse Mayor In the city’s news the opening of the release about the ex- Onondaga Creekwalk tension, Walsh said extension a “feel good it’s his hope that the moment” while speaking in a July 2 coronavirus project “serves as a catalyst for additional invest- briefing in Syracuse Common Council chambers. ment in our neighborhoods, especially in the “I’m a big fan of our Creekwalk, but this next South Side, as we look to extend the trail south section, for anybody that isn’t familiar is just through the rest of the city.” amazing. It’s 2.2 miles, so when you add that to The paved trail, which begins in Armory the existing part of the Creekwalk … We’re over Square, has features that include rest areas, a five miles now extending from Kirk Park all the marked pathway, newly planted trees, fencing,

20 I REVITALIZE SYRACUSE: THE DOWNTOWN TRANSFORMATION IV

revitalize IV pub.indd 20 8/25/20 5:46 PM ARCHITECTURE • INTERIOR DESIGN STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING • PLANNING

Change! It’s never easy to manage, but we can help you navigate complex design challenges in the ever changing work environment with unrivaled service and unique results. p The ribbon cutting for the second phase of the Onondaga Creekwalk was held July 1. PHOTO CREDIT: CITY OF SYRACUSE FACEBOOK PAGE We’ve been providing the expertise and agility needed on complex design solutions accessibility lots, continuous light- “Onondaga Earth Corps has had throughout Central New York for over 40 years. ing, and mileage markers along 14 young adult employees partici- Onondaga Creek. pate in training and planting of 75 trees and 70 shrubs along the phase Project history II expansion of the Creekwalk,” The City of Syracuse says it held Gregory Michael, executive di- public meetings between 2014 and rector, said. “Crew members were HEALTH 2016 to collect input from communi- trained on how to operate land- ty members on the South Side and scape equipment to plant large cal- in downtown Syracuse to help guide iper balled and burlap trees, and the trail route, amenities, and safety installed trees and shrubs to profes- features. sional standards. We are proud that The New York State Department young people from the community of Transportation and the Federal are a part of creating this beautiful Highway Administration (FHWA) neighborhood asset.” approved the final design for the $11.4 million project. The FHWA Additional features contributed $9.2 million, and the Emergency call boxes and se- City of Syracuse added $2.3 million, curity cameras have also been in- per the release. stalled, the city told CNYBJ in an C&S Companies finalized the en- Aug. 21 email. gineering design in 2018. Barrett The installation of a charging Paving Materials Inc. handled station for wheelchairs in the construction, which began in Armory Square near the Milton February 2019 and was completed J. Rubenstein Museum of Science

in July. and Technology (MOST) is also CORPORATE / OFFICE The 13-foot wide pathway allows planned for the fall. users to safely pass certain inter- The city is continuing work on sections such as the South Avenue three kayak and canoe-access points underpass near “traveler’s rest” and on Onondaga Creek. They include Lower Onondaga Park. Stop signs, an access point at the Onondaga sidewalks, bike lanes, and pedes- Creek overlook at Seneca Turnpike, trian signals facilitate travel across which is set for construction in city streets. 2021, per the city’s email. Green space outlines much of the In addition, Syracuse received a

trail’s new portion, created with the grant funded through the Onondaga PUBLIC SECTOR help of the Syracuse Departments of Lake Natural Resource Damage Public Works and Parks, Recreation Restoration program to design and & Youth Programs. construct a canoe and kayak launch Employees of Onondaga Earth in Kirk Park. The design on the Corps, a youth-pempowerment or- project is expected to start this win- ganization, also planted greenery ter. A final access point is under con- 315.428.1177 • NKBPC.COM along the project trail. sideration at the Inner Harbor. n

REVITALIZE SYRACUSE: THE DOWNTOWN TRANSFORMATION IV I 21

revitalize IV pub.indd 21 8/25/20 5:54 PM Hillside changes name, announces new board of governors

BY ERIC REINHARDT Journal Staff I e [email protected]

p The Hillside Children’s Center at 215 Wyoming St. in Syracuse. ADAM ROMBEL/ CNYBJ

illside Family of Agencies — a stantly evolving relationship with chil- 183-year-old family and youth non- dren and families in the communities profit human-services organiza- we serve.” H tion in Western and Central Rochester–based Hillside has a New York — recently announced that Syracuse location at 215 Wyoming it’s now operating as Hillside and has St., which is the home of the Hillside named new members to its board of Children’s Center. governors. The organization says both an- Board of governors nouncements are “in conjunction with The new fiscal year also means the new fiscal year that began July 1.” Hillside introduced new members and The name change coincides with leaders to its board of governors. an “adjustment” to the agency’s corpo- New members of the board of gover- rate structure, which merged all pro- nors include Virginia (Ginny) Biesiada grams and operations under a single O’Neill, who retired as chief admin- affiliate now known as Hillside. The istrative officer of Syracuse–based agency’s internal executive structure Pioneer Companies in 2019; Caroline is “unchanged.” The charitable Hillside Critchlow, assessment coordinator Foundation will “remain distinct.” for the Wegmans School of Nursing This “new” name acknowledges the & the Ralph C. Wilson School of agency’s “longstanding community Education at St. John Fisher College; identity,” Maria Cristalli, Hillside’s pres- Melissa Gardner, senior VP of Strategic ident and CEO, said in a release. Business Programs at Excellus “Our 80-plus programs touch count- BlueCross BlueShield in Rochester; less youth and families every day and Anne Komanecky, a VP with Bio across New York State and as far south Products Laboratory of Rochester. as Maryland. Wherever we are, how- Komanecky will also serve as chair of ever we connect with people, the name the board of trustees of the Hillside p Maria Cristalli, Hillside's president and CEO. ‘Hillside’ speaks volumes,” Cristalli Foundation. PHOTO CREDIT: HILLSIDE FAMILY OF AGENCIES said. “This change simplifies our con- The new board chair of the Hillside

22 I REVITALIZE SYRACUSE: THE DOWNTOWN TRANSFORMATION IV

revitalize IV pub.indd 22 8/25/20 5:48 PM board of governors is Dr. Richard Gangemi, a specialist in internal med- icine who served as senior VP for aca- demic and medical affairs for Rochester General Health System until his retire- ment in 2012. Dr. Gangemi’s fellow board leaders at Hillside are vice chair Jill Knittel, owner of the executive search firm JK Executive Strategies, LLC; treasurer James Haefner, a retired senior VP and assistant treasur- er for Excellus BlueCross BlueShield; secretary Monica Monte, a marketing and product-management executive who lives in Rochester; and past chair Edward White, associate VP at AIM Photonics of Rochester. About Hillside Founded in 1837, Hillside describes itself as one of the country’s oldest family and youth nonprofit human-services or- p Virginia Biesiada O'Neill. PHOTO CREDIT: HILLSIDE FAMILY OF AGENCIES ganizations, and the “largest of its type” in New York state. The agency supports vulnerable children, adults, and fami- Hillside generated total operating rev- lies through services delivered on resi- enue of more than $147 million in its dential campuses, in group homes, and 2017 fiscal year, with 91 percent of it com- through school- and community-based ing as reimbursement from government agencies as fees for service, according The Hillside Children’s Center at settings. In 2019, Hillside programs and 215 Wyoming St. in Syracuse. staff — across Central and Western New to the most recent annual report posted York and in Prince George’s County, on its website. The nonprofit’s operating Maryland — helped nearly 13,000 young expenses were just over $148 million that n ADAM ROMBEL/ CNYBJ people and families. year.

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REVITALIZE SYRACUSE: THE DOWNTOWN TRANSFORMATION IV I 23

revitalize IV pub.indd 23 8/25/20 5:50 PM Untitled-1 1 8/25/20 6:57 PM Internal and External Communications Go Hand-in-Hand

ow more than ever, companies are a long day’s work. They scroll through the boosting their internal-communi- smartphone or turn on the TV and learn cations strategies. But without an from the news media about their company N external-communications strategy, — maybe a change of operational policy or VIEWPOINT: the employee-relations plan will not be a change in leadership. The business may as effective and may in fact be inherently have simply responded to an inquiry from LUCY WANG flawed. When communications strategies the local news media, but the employees are incomplete or do not align, employees were never informed of the change. They CONSULTANT receive mixed-messages and inconsistent may begin to feel left out, unvalued, and un- Strategic Communications, LLC facts, leaving them confused and discon- important. These feelings can then reflect nected from their organization. back onto the work itself and potentially communications and employee engage- While the importance of communicating lower productivity and morale. ment through reinforced messages in ex- directly with employees is obvious, the If, however, employees see the same ternal communications can have a very messages they hear from external sources statement in the evening news that they real impact on ROI and the bottom line. like local news media can have an equal im- heard directly from their company lead- 4FILM SHOOTS, CONTINUED ON PAGE 46 pact on their perception of their employer. ers, it will strengthen their trust in the 5. Managing the unexpected And as the golden rule of communications business. When trust and morale are high, In today’s world, companies can be — says: If you don’t control the message, employees tend to be more productive and recently, have been — thrown into someone else will control it for you. and produce higher quality work. This a new crisis at any moment. Layoffs be- A holistic strategic-communications requires a proactive internal-communica- come necessary. Protests and strikes pop plan, including both internal and exter- tions strategy as well as an aligned proac- up. When the unexpected happens, hav- nal-communications strategies, will deliver tive external-communications strategy. ing a media-relations strategy that is in the best results to help organizations en- sync with your employee communications gage their employees and achieve busi- 3. Reputation building could help turn the tide and save the com- ness goals. Here is how to do it. Most people want to be proud of not pany’s reputation. only their work, but also their place of During the early stages of any cri- 1. Unified messages work. When a company or a brand has a sis, leaders need to make a lot of deci- When internal and external-communi- good reputation, employees feel a sense of sions very quickly. A well-thought out and cations strategies are aligned and consid- pride. This is how proactive, positive news well-executed crisis communications plan ered with equal importance, you reduce stories can help. When we hear good news that integrates both internal employee the chances of mixed-messages and avoid about our company, we feel good about communications as well as a media-re- confused audiences. When the messages our organization and want to be associated lations strategy could potentially save a are consistent across all potential chan- with that favorable image. company a lot of money and protect its nels, the organization also holds a more But it goes a step beyond employee hard-earned reputation. favorable and credible reputation in the pride. Employees are a company’s best Whether your organization is in the eyes of its employees and stakeholders. ambassadors. When staff members see or midst of a challenging situation, or you are Especially when a company goes hear good things about their company on focusing on a proactive strategy for the through a transition, whether financial or the news, they share it with friends, loved future, there is no doubt that priority has structural — as many organizations are ones and the community. shifted internally to supporting your work- facing right now — it’s vital that the media force. It is critical to remember, howev- gets the story right. To ensure a company is 4. Achievable business goals er, the role that external-communications represented accurately in news stories, the Every organization has business goals. channels play in your employees’ daily company’s communications team needs to Some are short-term, others are long and lives. So, it’s important for your company align internal with external messages. sustainable plans for how the business to have an external-communications strat- can succeed and grow over time. When egy that is active and aligned with your 2. Loyal employees employees are aware of these goals and internal-communications efforts. n Good media coverage can raise employ- have a solid understanding of where the ees’ morale and boost employee engage- company is headed, they are more likely to Lucy Wang is a consultant for Strategic ment. But regardless of whether a news feel connected and invested in their work. Communications, LLC. Syracuse–based story is positive or negative, consistency in This clarity could also help employees Strategic Communications (www. owning the message is key. see their own career trajectory, boost pro- StratComLLC.com) says it provides trusted A scenario — problematic and avoidable, fessional growth, and ultimately, help the counsel for public relations, including media yet unfortunately still very common — organization achieve the larger business strategy, media outreach, media monitoring, goes like this: employees return home after goals. The opportunity to enhance internal and analysis.

26 I REVITALIZE SYRACUSE: THE DOWNTOWN TRANSFORMATION IV

revitalize IV pub.indd 26 8/25/20 5:57 PM UNIQUE art exhibit continues at Everson through Sept. 27

BY ERIC REINHARDT This exhibition of literary and artis- Journal Staff I e [email protected] tic material is “more” than a communi- ty-based effort, the works of art are the SYRACUSE — ARISE says it is showcas- “thoughts, experiences and feelings of ing the talents of 40 Central New York people who are actively reaching out to artists at the Everson Museum of Art express their part in our community.” through Sept. 27. The UNIQUE exhibit invited sub- This year’s UNIQUE 20th anniversary missions of art and literature which are exhibit has poetry, watercolors, oil on judged by a volunteer panel and displayed canvas, digital art, poetry, mixed media, in the community. The UNIQUE open- people with disabilities. and sculpture all created by local artists ing reception was cancelled due to the The organization has been providing ad- with disabilities. COVID-19 pandemic. vocacy and services since 1979, and each UNIQUE is an art and literary magazine Copies of UNIQUE magazine will be year ARISE works with about 7,000 people that “shares the artistic visions and voic- available at the ARISE offices at 635 of all ages who have all types of disabili- es” of individuals with disabilities, per the James St. in Syracuse and at the Everson ties. ARISE offers services in Onondaga, ARISE website. The magazine is published exhibit, ARISE said. Oswego, Madison, Cayuga, and Seneca annually in the fall by ARISE and distribut- counties. It also operates ARISE at the Farm, ed throughout Central New York to display About ARISE a 77-acre recreational facility in Chittenango the work of artists and writers with disabil- The nonprofit ARISE is an indepen- and ARISE & Ski at Toggenburg Winter ities living in Central New York. dent-living center operated by and for Sports Center in Fabius. n

REVITALIZE SYRACUSE: THE DOWNTOWN TRANSFORMATION IV I 27

revitalize IV pub.indd 27 8/26/20 1:55 PM p The Everson Community Plaza has hosted Food Truck Fridays this summer. They started July 24, and the final one was scheduled on Sept. 25. PHOTO CREDIT: EVERSON MUSEUM OF ART WEBSITE Everson Community Plaza hosts summertime Food Truck Fridays

BY ERIC REINHARDT on Fridays. People could select a specific pickup Journal Staff I e [email protected] The Syracuse Food Truck Association time “which is spaced out accordingly members have been “safely serving” to the individual trucks speed of ser- SYRACUSE — The Everson Community Onondaga County throughout the pan- vice.” Plaza this summer hosted Food Truck demic, per a news release on the Everson When the order was ready, a patron Fridays, which started July 24 and were website. would receive a text message to walk up set to conclude Sept. 25. Patrons were encouraged to pre-or- to the truck to pick up the food. This is The weekly events were part of a part- der food through Street Food Finder a “completely contact-less” ordering sys- nership between the Everson Museum (https://streetfoodfinder.com/c/NY/ tem, the Everson said. of Art and the Syracuse Food Truck Syracuse), though it is not required. Masks were required while in line/ Association in which people could get The hours of operation during Food picking up food and hand sanitizer was something to eat from various food trucks Truck Fridays were 11 a.m.-2 p.m. made available at each truck. n

28 I REVITALIZE SYRACUSE: THE DOWNTOWN TRANSFORMATION IV

revitalize IV pub.indd 28 8/25/20 5:59 PM REVITALIZE SYRACUSE: THE DOWNTOWN TRANSFORMATION IV I 29

revitalize IV pub.indd 29 8/25/20 6:00 PM n Completion Date: March 15, 2021 n Building Owner: Unifirst Inc. n Construction Manager: C&S Companies Recent Construction n Architect: Bergmann Associates n Engineer: Palucci Engineering (structural); ASM Engineering (MEP); Keplinger Freeman Associates (site); AECC (environmental) Projects in the City n Landscape Architect: Keplinger Freeman Associates n General Contractor: TBD of Syracuse n Primary Subcontractors: TBD CBD CONSTRUCTION, LLC Excerpted from the March, 2 2020 Construction Projects Directory

ASHLEY MCGRAW ARCHITECTS, D.P.C.

Haylor, Freyer & Coon Inc. (HF&C)

n Project Description: CBD Construction completed a multi-floor 40,000-square-foot office renovation at One Park Place in downtown Syracuse. HF&C is an n Project Description: This locally administered independently owned insurance agency providing federal-aid project involved the rehabilitation of the insurance and risk-management solutions since 1928. West Onondaga Street Bridge over Onondaga Creek The project included architectural and design features in the city of Syracuse. The purpose of the project was of an open floor plan with exposed ceilings comple- Syracuse University Schine Student Center to completely remove and replace the deteriorated mented by stimulating cloud features and linear light Renovation bridge deck, and partially remove and replace the de- fixtures. Offices, conference rooms, and public areas teriorated bridge-abutment backwalls. Additionally, are accompanied with glass fronts. n Project Description: In collaboration with Mackey the project involved installing new sidewalks, reset- n Project Location: Syracuse Mitchell Architects and Ricca Design Studio, Ashley ting existing stone curb, installing new Texas aesthetic n Total Construction Volume: $1.8 million McGraw is acting as executive architect for the interior concrete bridge-barrier approach railings, and new n Approximate Square Footage: 33,863 renovation and design architect for the façade replace- light poles. During construction, due to a water-main n Start Date: March 1, 2019 ment. The renovation and reimagining of the student break to the north of the bridge, the laid-up stone n Completion Date: August 1, 2019 center is an important part of the campus framework. wall adjacent to the bridge failed, collapsing into n Building Owner: Zamir Equities The $45 million project is currently under construc- Onondaga Creek. Emergency repairs to the failed wall n Construction Manager: CBD Construction, LLC tion with estimated completion by the end of 2020. section were incorporated into the bridge-rehabilita- n Architect: Dalpos Architects Renovation will make it more of a centralized hub for tion project. The failed-wall section between the West n Engineer: Argus Engineering student activity. Dining, large central atrium, and of- Onondaga Street and Gifford Street bridges was fully n General Contractor: CBD Construction, LLC fices will make for a welcoming, relaxing, comfortable, removed and replaced with a steel pile and concrete n Financing Source: developer financed and vibrant crossroads. Other features are improved panel-lagging wall system. n accessibility, more seating, and lounging spaces. Project Location: Syracuse n n Project Location: Syracuse Total Construction Cost: $2.1 million CHIANG O’BRIEN ARCHITECTS, DPC n n Total Construction Volume: $45 million Approximate Square Footage: 14,000 n n Start Date: May 2019 Start Date: July 15, 2017 n n Completion Date: November 2020 Completion Date: July 15, 2020 n n Building Owner: Syracuse University Building Owner: City of Syracuse n n Construction Manager: LeChase Construction Construction Manager: Barton & Loguidice, D.P.C. n Service Engineer: Barton & Loguidice, D.P.C. n n Architect: Ashley McGraw Architects, Mackey General Contractor: Crane Hogan Structural Mitchell Architects Systems Inc. n n Engineer: Peterson Guadagnolo Consulting Financing Source: federal and state funds with a Engineers PC local match n Landscape Architect: Environmental Design & Marshall Hall Renovation at SUNY ESF Research BERGMANN n Primary Subcontractors: Ricca Design Studios, n Project Description: In the fall of 2018, Chiang Ryan Biggs | Clark Davis Engineering, Trophy Point Unifirst Laundry O’Brien was engaged by the State University Construction Services & Consulting Construction Fund (SUCF) to provide design services n Project Description: Demolition of six buildings for for a complete renovation of Louis Marshall Memorial BARTON & LOGUIDICE, D.P.C. the construction of a new commercial-laundry facility. Hall and its immediate site surroundings on the SUNY n Project Location: Syracuse College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) West Onondaga Street Bridge Rehabilitation n Total Construction Cost: $20 million campus. Marshall Hall, a 90,000-gross-square-foot Project n Approximate Square Footage: 65,000 academic building, was constructed in 1933 and n Start Date: March 15, 2020 forms the academic core at the southern end of

30 I REVITALIZE SYRACUSE: THE DOWNTOWN TRANSFORMATION IV

revitalize IV pub.indd 30 8/25/20 6:03 PM Basement Waterproofing Foundation Repair Concrete Leveling SINKING CONCRETE? Crawl Space Repair the main quadrangle. The goal of the renovation is Landscape Architects Barn Repair to provide optimized space for the main building n General Contractor: TBD THE HAYNER HOYT CORPORATION occupants (Departments of Landscape Architecture, Environmental Studies, and General Education) and BEFORE to create teaching spaces to serve the entire campus. DALPOS ARCHITECTS & INTEGRATORS The approved concept reorganizes the building to We Perverse and Protect create distinct identities for all three departments on the first-floor entry level with the addition of a vertical circulation tower. Public-facing department Driveways Patios functions, the landscape architecture gallery, digital storytelling spaces, department offices, as well as heavily used classroom spaces, will be located on the Sidewalks Pool Decks first floor. Additional classrooms and larger student lounge spaces are situated in another entry level on and more! the basement floor. Faculty offices are located on Barnes Center at The Arch the second floor; landscape architecture studios are collected together on the third floor; and research Northside Mixed-Use n Project Description: Gut/rebuild and addition to and design and computer production spaces are create a comprehensive health and wellness center located on the top sky-lit fourth floor. This project is n Project Description: Six-story mixed-use project at Syracuse University that includes everything from being designedAFTER with a deep energy-savings retrofit with 2 levels of parking, 3 levels of hotel rooms and 1 health clinics and dog therapy, to a multi-level fitness target of 50 percent energy reduction relative to the level of apartments with a pedestrian bridge connec- center, pool, climbing wall, and even a state-of-the-art building’s existing consumption, and the goal of LEED tion to St. Joseph’s Hospital. $ e-sports room. Gold certification. n Project Location: Syracuse 100n Project Location off: Syracuse n Project Location: Syracuse n Approximate Square Footage: 151,600 ANY CONCRETEn Total Construction POLYLEVEL Cost: $58 million ® n Approximate Square Footage: 92,000 n Start Date: November 2019 n Approximate Square Footage: 187,000 n Start Date: August 1, 2020 n Completion Date: June 2021 LEVELINGn Start Date AND: January REPAIR2018 n Completion Date: August 1, 2022 n Building Owner: BWI Hotel Acquisitions, LLC n Completion Date: August 2019 n Building Owner: SUNY College of Environmental n Architect: Dalpos Architects & Integrators Any Job $3500n or Building More. Offer Owner only good: Syracuse at the timeUniversity of initial Science and Forestry n Engineer: John P. Stopen Engineering, LLP, M/Einspection. Cannotn Construction be combined Manager with any: The other Hayner offers Hoyt or promotions. n Architect: Chiang O’Brien Architects Engineering, TDK Engineering Associates, PC Corporation n Engineer: Pathfinder, Ryan Biggs | Clark Davis, T.G. n Landscape Architect: TDK Engineering Associates, PC n Architect: Populous Miller, Watts Architecture & Engineering n General Contractor: Granger Construction n Landscape Architect: Trowbridge Wolf Michaels Company 4CONTINUED ON PAGE 32 WET BASEMENT?

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revitalize IV pub.indd 31 8/25/20 6:04 PM n Engineer: M/E Engineering floor and adding seven residence rooms and a toilet/ n Primary Subcontractors: Huen Electric, Burns shower room. Brothers Contractors, Raulli & Sons, LeMoyne n Project Location: Syracuse Interiors, Gitzen Co. Inc., Di Peso Contractors, JK Tobin n Total Construction Cost: $5.5 million Construction, CSM Tile Company, Neave Painting n Approximate Square Footage: 2,500 Corp., Carpets Wholesale n Start Date: 2019 n Completion Date: 2020 n Building Owner: YMCA of Greater Syracuse HOLMES KING KALLQUIST & n Architect: Walton Architectural Group n Engineer: Klepper, Hahn & Hyatt ASSOCIATES, ARCHITECTS, LLP n General Contractor: Hueber-Breuer Construction The addition is carefully proportioned to be sympa- n Primary Subcontractors: Raulli & Sons Structural thetic to the historic structure to which it is joined by Steel the transparent link which provides lobby, stair and elevator for handicapped access to both buildings. MACKNIGHT ARCHITECTS + This project was certified for the Historic Preservation PLANNERS, LLP Tax Credit. n Project Location: Syracuse Addis Building n Total Construction Volume: $8.6 million n Approximate Square Footage: 54,763 n Project Description: Renovation of the former n Start Date: August 2014 Addis Company clothing store into a mixed-use loft n Completion Date: March 2019 apartment, office, and commercial building. n Ethel T. Chamberlain House Building Owner: 900 E. Fayette Group n Project Location: Syracuse n Architect: Holmes King Kallquist & Associates Architects n Total Construction Volume: $7 million n n Project Description: Housing Visions Unlimited Engineer: Palucci Engineering; IPD Engineering n Approximate Square Footage: 45,000 n and the Salvation Army have redeveloped a circa 1926 Landscape Architect: Empire Landscape Architects n Start Date: September 2019 n four-story, 28,000-square-foot apartment building as General Contractor: VIP n Completion Date: June 2020 a new women’s shelter. The building, abandoned after n Building Owner: Morrisroe Lynn Development a fire for over 15 years, required total interior recon- LLC struction, new windows, and a new roof. The brick and KING + KING ARCHITECTS LLP n Construction Manager: BBL Construction cast stone exterior has been restored to its original n Architect: MacKnight Architects appearance. The project includes 15 emergency shelter beds, 16 transitional apartments, and support services. The shelter includes observation rooms and communal dining, living, and kitchen spaces for interaction. The VIP ARCHITECTURAL ASSOCIATES, PLLC upper three-floor apartment component provides a “next step” to being self-sufficient. Its location, in a high Salt City Market area of need, provides a safe space for women who n Project Description: Salt City Market is a unique com- would otherwise be homeless, coupled with support Clarnece L. Jordan Food Service and Culinary Education Center munity focused project located on the corner of Salina, to help them re-establish their lives. In addition to Clinton, and Onondaga Streets. The focus of this project architectural and interior design services, Holmes King n Project Description: The Clarence L. Jordan Food is to connect diverse cultures and people in a welcoming, Kallquist developed the National Register of Historic inclusive gathering space that promotes collaboration, Places nomination for the property to allow the use of Service and Culinary Education Center, located on the southwest edge of downtown Syracuse, provides economic opportunity, and a deep sense of community. the Historic Preservation Tax Credit. The main public space at street level will be a food hall n Project Location: Syracuse meals, education, and employment opportunities for those in need. Through the strategic use of materials, and market featuring foods from around the globe as n Total Construction Cost: $6.3 million well as a grocery store. The building will also feature office n Approximate Square Footage: 28,000 natural light, and space, the design creates a trans- formative dining experience that uplifts the spirits of space for not-for-profit agencies on the second floor and n Start Date: September 2014 mixed-income apartments on the remaining floors. n Completion Date: February 2019 anyone looking for a warm meal. n Project Location: Syracuse n Project Location: Syracuse n Building Owner: Housing Visions Unlimited n Total Construction Cost: $20.8 million n Construction Manager: Housing Visions n Total Construction Cost: $6.7 million n Approximate Square Footage: 15,500 n Approximate Square Footage: 80,000-100,000 Construction n Start Date: July 2018 n Architect: Holmes King Kallquist & Associates n Start Date: April 2017 n Completion Date: November 2019 n Completion Date: September 2020 Architects n Building Owner: Syracuse Urban Partnership n Engineer: Klepper Hahn & Hyatt; GHD n Building Owner: Rescue Mission Syracuse n Architect: King + King Architects n Construction Manager: VIP Structures, Inc. n Landscape Architect: Appel Osborne n Architect: VIP Architectural Associates, PLLC n General Contractor: Housing Visions Construction n Engineer: St. Germain & Aupperle, Argus Engineering n Landscape Architect: Keplinger Freeman n Engineer: IPD Engineering The Sylvester Building Associates n General Contractor: Parsons-McKenna WHELAN & CURRY CONSTRUCTION n Project Description: Designed by well-known Construction Co. Syracuse architect Charles Colton, the four-story n Financing Source: combination of private donors SERVICES, INC. Sylvester Building was constructed in 1910, providing and local foundations apartments for middle-income residents. Its restoration Kid Central at North Central Church included the exterior masonry, original ground-floor n Project Description: Building addition including nine storefronts and new windows. The 12 original two-bed- KLEPPER, HAHN & HYATT classrooms, and a general assembly room for the new Kid room apartments were renovated to provide updated Central youth programs offered by North Central Church living arrangements and access to a new common YMCA Downtown Syracuse Men’s Residence n Project Location: Syracuse elevator lobby. At the ground floor, original tin ceilings Expansion n Total Construction Cost: $1.7 million and tiled entrances were restored. A unique open inte- n Approximate Square Footage: 8,400 rior light well, providing natural light to interior apart- n Project Description: This project expanded the ments was restored. A new four-story addition added 6th floor men’s residence at 340 Montgomery St. in thirty apartments and ground-floor commercial space. Syracuse. This included expanding the east end of the 4CONTINUED ON PAGE 45

32 I REVITALIZE SYRACUSE: THE DOWNTOWN TRANSFORMATION IV

revitalize IV pub.indd 32 8/25/20 6:05 PM Brooklyn, Buffalo, Harlem, Rochester, Troy in New York, and Newark, New Jersey. Dinosaur Bar-B-Que “After 30 plus years, I felt the Dino needed a refresh. Working with the team at CINSYR was fun, collaborative, easy and above all, I love the finished look,” gets a new-look logo Stage said in the release. The Dinosaur brand evolution began when CINSYR was asked about reimag- after 30-plus years ining the iconic dinosaur logo. The fa- miliar green dinosaur with a bowtie and plate of food was showing its age, and Stage believed it was time for a change. BY ERIC REINHARDT about the logo redesign. He said, “The Dinosaur brand is now Journal Staff I e [email protected] “Dinosaur Bar-B-Que is a Syracuse over 30 years old. As the brand evolves, we icon, a destination. We wanted the needed to update our look while respecting SYRACUSE — Dinosaur Bar- brand refresh to be an our past.” B-Que recently introduced evolution not a rev- CINSYR led the its new Dinosaur logo and olution,” Michael Dinosaur team through associated brandmarks Vine, co-founder of its brand-immersion created by CINSYR CINSYR Creative process, cataloging the Creative Group, LLC, a Group, said. past brand imagery Camillus–based agency Dinosaur Bar-B- while envisioning its fu- specializing in designing Que was founded by ture look. This CINSYR and evolving brand experi- John Stage and his two process showed how ences. partners in 1988 who the new brand elements The new Dinosaur logo gives Original Logo believed bikers deserved a New Logo would translate across the dinosaur “the hard-earned good plate of food while on multiple touchpoints in edge of maturity while keeping that dis- the road. What began as a small print, online, on mer- tinctive serve-you-up-a-plate-of-fire expe- barbeque joint in Syracuse, has grown into chandise and packaging, and in the rience,” per an Aug. 10 news release a chain with seven locations — Syracuse, restaurant. n BUILDING CLEANING EXPERTS SPECIALIZING IN HIGH RISE, LARGE, AND DIFFICULT PROJECTS. • WINDOW WASHING • PRESSURE WASHING • SPIDER SPRAYING • HIGH MAINTENANCE/DUSTING • CAULKING • SCAFFOLD MAINTENANCE & INSPECTION

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REVITALIZE SYRACUSE: THE DOWNTOWN TRANSFORMATION IV I 33

revitalize IV pub.indd 33 8/25/20 6:06 PM feel it’s important to be in the publication and to support the publication because CNY Business Journal of what’s happening downtown. There is still a lot going on even within the uncertainty. Even though they feel it’s moves offic s, stays uncertain as to when COVID is over, they still feel strong in regard to business and what’s happening in Syracuse and downtown that their business will be OK on some level.” BY ADAM ROMBEL the right thing to She adds that Journal Staff I a [email protected] do, and we were companies are look- able to pivot and ing at the virus sit- SYRACUSE — The Central New York offer this to our employees,” says Nesher. uation as a temporary barrier to all the Business Journal has recently moved its About half of the company’s employees positive developments that were taking office to 415 W. Fayette St. in Syracuse, work from home at least a couple days a place with downtown Syracuse’s revival in the offices of WCNY at the Robert J. week. the last few years. Daino Broadcast and Education Center. “I think the consensus is that things The CNY Business Journal — a pro- Interest in revitalization were put on pause, but that’s it. People are vider of business news, data, information, Nesher says the CNY Business Journal still going to move forward; it might just and networking for 34 years — most re- saw strong marketing interest in this 4th take a little longer than the original plan,” cently was located at the Jefferson Clinton edition of the Revitalize Syracuse publi- Nesher says. Commons building at 211 W. Jefferson St. for the last two years. Before that, it had been in a pair of other Armory Square offices for more than two decades. The company — which also includes the BizEventz, Inc. & Digital Reach Platform, Inc. businesses — moved offic- es on Aug. 3 after its lease expired at its former home. “We knew we wanted to stay in down- town. We’re literally just a quarter mile from where we’ve been all these years in the Armory Square area,” says Marny Nesher, president of the CNY Business Journal. “Being downtown is very import- ant to us.” She continued, “The Business Journal has been downtown for probably I’d say for 25 of our 34 years. We’ve always felt that even though we cover the [16-coun- ty] Central New York territory, Syracuse is really kind of our hub and we feel like there’s a lot going on. And we feel like we want to contribute to what’s happening with the revitalization downtown and all the stories that we cover. So, we want to be part of that progress that’s being made.” All the offices the company was con- sidering were located downtown. “We did not look outside the downtown area,” p Marny Nesher, president of The Central New York Business Journal, in front of the company’s new home at the headquarters of WCNY at the Nesher says. Robert J. Daino Broadcast and Education Center at 415 W. Fayette St. in Syracuse. ADAM ROMBEL/ CNYBJ The CNY Business Journal did down- size its office space a little amid changing cation. The Central New York Business Journal work patterns during the pandemic. In talking to businesses the publication says it is the only print, digital, and events “We’ve moved more toward a model of found that “the sense of getting back to company in Central New York that focus- flexibility with our employees so that peo- business was extremely important to es on local business. Its emphasis is on ple can work from home. They can work everybody,” says Nesher. “This is going providing news, research, and events to more remotely, especially with COVID. to be our strongest [Revitalize Syracuse] business owners, managers, and other Until there’s an end, we felt like this was publication ever because people really corporate decision-makers. n

34 I REVITALIZE SYRACUSE: THE DOWNTOWN TRANSFORMATION IV

revitalize IV pub.indd 34 8/25/20 6:08 PM Three Lives opens in Armory Square

New restaurant/bar combines video games with food and drinks

BY JOURNAL STAFF [email protected]

SYRACUSE — Three Lives — a bar, p Three Lives — a bar, restaurant, and game arcade rolled into one — opened in Syracuse’s Armory Square in August. It’s located at 316 S. Clinton St. restaurant, and game arcade rolled into ADAM ROMBEL/ CNYBJ one — opened in Syracuse’s Armory Square in August. Playstation video-game consoles. The bar offers craft beers, shots, Three Lives, located at 316 S. Clinton The menu includes burgers called and cocktails including specialty drinks St., held its grand opening on the after- “Smash Boys,” heroes, munchies, and known as “potions.” noon of Aug. 19. more. Three Lives boasts on its Facebook Three Lives is located in a space that pre- It features retro arcade games from page that more than one-quarter of its menu viously was home to Sugar Magnolia Bistro, the 1980s and 90s, as well as Xbox and options can be made vegan or vegetarian. Byblos, Black Olive, and a Quizno’s franchise.

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revitalize IV pub.indd 35 8/25/20 6:10 PM Creating the Racial Equity and Social Impact Portfolio

Will offer the region’s business community new CEO FOCUS: ROB SIMPSON DEI training and consulting services PRESIDENT & CEO CenterState CEO ommunities across the country, and Specifically, she will lead the develop- here in Central New York, are ment and implementation of CenterState facing issues of racial injustice head- CEO’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion tion and community-based organizations, C on. As an organization with a guid- (DEI) services, including enhanced have shaped and informed her previous ing vision for our region to be a place partner/vendor engagement, sales, de- role with us as director of community where business thrives and all people livery, and evaluation. Rogers will devel- engagement and empowerment. can prosper, part of our strategy to drive op DEI organizational metrics, trainings, Over the last two and half years, she social and economic equity requires act- and processes to ensure our DEI goals has worked closely with VP of Economic ing intentionally in our leadership. That are being met. Her expertise will also Inclusion Dominic Robinson to grow our includes examining and enhancing our enable us to offer the region’s business economic inclusion team and its work. own internal structures in support of our community new DEI training and con- Her efforts to date include spearheading critical mission-driven work to advance sulting services, which include a suite the Generation Next initiative, co-leading greater opportunity for all. of professional-development training the successful JPMC AdvancingCities [In late July we were] proud to an- sessions, dialogue sessions, and orga- application process, and championing in- nounce the creation of the Racial Equity nizational evaluations. These services ternal talent attraction and recruitment ef- and Social Impact portfolio, led by will enable C-suite leadership to develop forts at CenterState CEO to yield a more Juhanna Rogers, Ph.D. As the new VP policy to shift culture, while helping diverse organization. As her role shifts, of racial equity and social impact, Rogers middle managers think about culturally she will continue to lead the community joins CenterState CEO’s leadership team component leadership and management engagement and empowerment work as- and will be responsible for ensuring that styles. The dialogue sessions offered sociated with our JPMC AdvancingCities CenterState CEO’s internal processes are designed to encourage employees to grant, CenterState CEO’s participation in and external programs reflect the orga- discuss and think critically about what the Syracuse Surge program, and lead nization’s value of inclusiveness. In her they know and have learned about race our Generation Next initiatives, which new role, she will prioritize race and and racism. will help continue to ensure our growing equity work within our organization, our Rogers’ extensive professional and opportunities are accessed by diverse community, and beyond. academic qualifications position her to populations. uniquely lead in this Central New York has the opportunity new role. Prior to ar- to lead in this moment. I am confident Juhanna riving in Syracuse, that Dr. Rogers’ unique expertise, vision Rogers she studied under and passion will help our staff and mem- the leadership of bers ignite an era of progress for our some of the country’s community and region. To learn more strongest academic about the Racial and Equity and Social race scholars, which Impact portfolio, or how your compa- shaped her ability to ny can benefit from DEI training and examine race and eq- consulting services, contact Rogers at uity in order to strive [email protected]. n for systemic change. Her training as a crit- Robert M. (Rob) Simpson is president ical race scholar and and CEO of CenterState CEO, the pri- professional experi- mary economic-development organization ence working on re- for Central New York. This viewpoint is tention of historically drawn and edited from the “CEO Focus” marginalized commu- email newsletter that the organization sent nities in higher educa- to members on July 30.

36 I REVITALIZE SYRACUSE: THE DOWNTOWN TRANSFORMATION IV

revitalize IV pub.indd 36 8/25/20 6:11 PM 5 Tips to Focus your Company’s Transformation as COVID-19 Forces Change

hile the recession caused by avoid distractions or wasted resources. COVID-19 has wreaked havoc on Here are five tips for companies to set businesses of all sizes and indus- the right scope for their transformation. W tries, some are finding new ways • Articulate the problem. Which to run daily operations, reach customers, problem are you trying to solve? That VIEWPOINT: re-shape their business, and stay relevant. question is at the heart of a compa- But others are still trying to figure ny transformation. Defining the specific EDWIN BOSSO out how to transform. Launching a trans- problem may take numerous discussions FOUNDER & CEO formation begins with setting the right and disagreements. The human brain Myrtle Consulting Group scope. has a natural tendency to drift. Blurry Over the years, I have seen an ill-de- lines sometimes separate root causes and fined program scope cause serious prob- symptoms. This step is generally com- stage where you test the capabilities of lems. For example, the scope may drift pleted with a well-crafted statement of the the organization against solution options from the originally defined target. The problem that the organization is setting by identifying necessary means. It comes scope is the description of the transfor- up to solve. down to understanding internal means, mation’s area of focus, and in most cases • List the ways. When properly con- or levers that would need to be pulled to the scope is defined as a combination ducted, this step helps in visualizing the solve the problem. Potential means avail- of categories. Examples are functional solution. Listing possible solutions is a able might include people, office space, (sales, logistics, production, operations) way of testing the definition of the prob- computer systems, or technical expertise and organizational (leadership, technolo- lem. This step calls for honest questions in sales, R&D, inventory management, gy, processes, management systems). It’s and thorough analysis to identify the and procurement. The process allows or- most important that the scope is defined solution options. to address the challenges at hand and • Identify the means. This is the 4BOSSO VIEWPOINT, CONTINUED ON PAGE 46

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REVITALIZE SYRACUSE: THE DOWNTOWN TRANSFORMATION IV I 37

revitalize IV pub.indd 37 8/25/20 6:32 PM SMALL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: MARK PITONZO BUSINESS ADVISOR SBDC

implement that plan immediately. As 15-time all-star catcher and former New York Yankee Yogi Berra once said, “When you get to the fork in the road, take it.” At the risk of sounding hyperbolic, this was the fork in the road for Meals on Wheels of Syracuse and its leader. MOWS needed to make changes and it needed to make them fast. As a bit of historical background, more than 60 years ago, MOWS started by serv- ing eight clients a day in their first week and had only two employees. Since then, it has evolved from a program that feeds its clients to a nutrition program to an organization that has positioned itself as a health-care partner in the community. This evolution has helped to improve the health of its clients, reduce hospital and emergency department admissions, and save precious health-care dollars. PHOTO CREDIT: MEALS ON WHEELS OF SYRACUSE “More Than A Meal” is one of the phras- es that is used to describe how MOWS has expanded and diversified its services Meals on Wheels of Syracuse throughout the years. Today, the nonprof- it has 16 employees and is projected to serve close to 230,000 meals to its clients Adjusts to the New Normal this year . . . an increase of 8 percent. Additionally, MOWS has seen a 13 percent increase in the number of clients it serves “It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most since the beginning of the pandemic. Its service has been and continues to be vital intelligent. It is the one that is most adaptable to change.” to the community. About 90 percent of the — Charles Darwin clients it serves are over 60 years old and 25 percent are 85 years or older. People n mid-March, the COVID-19 pandemic the Syracuse area. Its executive director, in the Syracuse area rely heavily on the struck the United States and the Mason Kaufman, who has been at the service that MOWS provides to ensure that Central New York community in a helm of the agency for more than 25 years they can get the required daily nutrition I way that would thoroughly alter the and has worked for the agency for over within the comfort of their own homes. lives of all its people. Meals on Wheels 35 years, knew that his life, the lives of his When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, of Syracuse (MOWS) had just success- employees, and the lives of those that the Kaufman and his management staff were fully completed its 60th year providing agency serves were about to be adversely faced with a variety of challenges to ensure meal service to its clients throughout affected if he didn’t construct a plan and the viability of MOWS — and there wasn’t

38 I REVITALIZE SYRACUSE: THE DOWNTOWN TRANSFORMATION IV

revitalize IV pub.indd 38 8/25/20 6:22 PM an instruction manual to navigate these successfully recruited additional help trials and tribulations. These challeng- to augment the existing pool of volun- es included but were not limited to To ensure that the agency had the teers for the agency. answering the following questions: Two significant and interrelated • Can we remain open to serve funding to retain its employee base and issues remained — retaining employ- our clients? maintain client and financial continuity, ees and how to solidify the financial • How do we retain our employ- viability of the agency — and [they] ees and make sure they’re kept safe it turned to the Paycheck Protection needed to be addressed. Over the from COVID-19? years, MOWS expanded its funding • How do we keep our volunteers Program (PPP). streams to cover the cost of meals and protect them from COVID-19? and reach more seniors and adults • Can we maintain funding, reve- bility. As Kaufman put it, “In order to keep with disabilities. Historically, the bulk nue projections, and control expenses so our clients, employees and volunteers safe, of the funding for MOWS has come from we can continue carrying out our mission? we transitioned to providing meals three government-reimbursement programs. To While these challenges are not unique days per week. Additionally, we had to ensure that the agency had the funding to MOWS only, they are and have been rent a freezer trailer that would allow us to to retain its employee base and maintain difficult problems to resolve. Early in the prepare and stock frozen meals for several client and financial continuity, it turned to process, the agency received some very days.” This required a temporary change the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). positive news. It was classified as an “es- in direction as the agency typically provid- This federal stimulus loan program, admin- sential service” by our government. That ed meals five days per week and included a istered by local banks, seeks to stabilize decision would allow MOWS to carry on hot meal and a cold meal. The agency was the workforces of small businesses and its mission for the community. able to make this transition seamlessly. nonprofits through potentially forgivable General Colin Powell once said, “Leaders Volunteers are the life blood of many loans. To learn more about the application honor their core values, but they are flexi- nonprofit organizations, and MOWS is no process and program parameters, MOWS ble in how they execute them.” As the exception. Many of the volunteers that have turned to the Small Business Development executive director of an agency tasked with routinely delivered meals for the agency Center (SBDC) at Onondaga Community providing its clients with nutritional meal were unable to fulfill that task because of College (OCC) for guidance. MOWS service, Kaufman wasn’t about to change the potential exposure and vulnerability to worked closely with me to understand the their core values. How the agency would the dangerous virus. MOWS turned to the execute those values required a lot of flexi- United Way of Central New York, which 4MEALS ON WHEELS, CONTINUED ON PAGE 40 Granger Construction… A PRINCIPLE-BASED COMPANY.

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revitalize IV pub.indd 39 8/25/20 6:29 PM How Businesses Are (Carefully) Promoting Their Brands During COVID-19 VIEWPOINT: hanks to COVID-19 and social unrest, media about COVID-19 and the efforts MARSHA FRIEDMAN 2020 brought an unwelcome wrinkle to care for people who are ill. But the FOUNDER & PRESIDENT to public-relations game plans. coronavirus is affecting us in such a wide- T Put out the wrong message — or spread way that experts in all areas of life News & Experts even the right message with the wrong have something valuable to offer to the approach — and a business can end media’s audiences. There are business up sounding insensitive or opportunistic, angles, economic angles, legal angles, • They understand the value of driving away both the media and the po- and many others. My firm represents a social media. Obviously, social media tential customers they are trying to reach. pitching coach and arranged interviews is a major player in the way businesses Yet, despite the difficulties, many busi- where he discussed how athletes can promote themselves, and that has con- nesses, nonprofits, and individuals are continue to train when their sports have tinued during the current crisis. They rising to the occasion — finding ways been brought to a halt. need to be careful, though, because there to thread the needle and promote their • They avoid wedging themselves have been too many examples over the brands with tack. in where they don’t belong. Smart years of brands creating a backlash over When there are sensitive topics a social-media post. But as long as in the news, businesses that con- they stick to their expertise and share tinue to have PR success are those positive messages, it works well. One that are equally sensitive in their of our clients is a corporate-culture approach. “So, for most of them it’s not a question expert who has used his social media I know some businesspeople of will you promote your brand. It’s a to offer businesses advice on keeping have wondered whether they their company culture healthy during should just put publicity on hold question of how you will go about it.” a crisis. until the world returns to some- As we go through these difficult thing approaching normal. But times, businesses should remember with the economy struggling, most that they can continue to pitch their simply cannot afford to abandon expertise to the media, they just need their promotional efforts altogether. businesses and professionals don’t force to do so with empathy and sensitivity. So, for most of them it’s not a question a connection, trying to put themselves A little thoughtfulness and care can go of will you promote your brand. It’s a into a news story where there is no logi- a long way in helping them accomplish question of how you will go about it. cal relation to their expertise. Doing that their goals. n Here are examples of what businesses, makes it appear as though you’re trying organizations, and even individuals are to take advantage of what is happening. Marsha Friedman, author of “Gaining the doing right as they promote their brands Financial professionals wouldn’t be offer- Publicity Edge: An Entrepreneur’s Guide during these tumultuous times: ing medical advice, but they could pro- to Growing Your Brand Through National • They figure out where they fit vide input into a news story about what Media Coverage,” is founder and president into the narrative. Clearly, those in to do if you’re suddenly hit with large of News & Experts (www.newsandexperts. the medical professions can speak to the medical bills. com), a national public-relations agency.

MEALS ON WHEELS confusing, with the program parameters game” adjustments and flexibility. Always continued fr om page 39 changing monthly. It was great to have the be clear about the mission, but be flexi- advice and support of Mark Pitonzo to help ble about the process of implementation. program and eventually it applied for a loan guide me past the static and interference Those of whom are most flexible have the through M&T Bank. MOWS was approved to better clarity on process and discretion.” best opportunity to achieve the mission or for the program, which allowed it to main- For more information on Meals on objectives of the organization. n tain the employment of all its employees Wheels of Syracuse, please visit its website and continue to serve the needs of the CNY at www.meals.org. Mark Pitonzo is a business advisor at the community. Kaufman said, “I found the Advisor’s Business Tip: Small- SBDC at OCC. Contact him at m.j.piton- PPP process somewhat complicated and business success can be the result of “in- [email protected]

40 I REVITALIZE SYRACUSE: THE DOWNTOWN TRANSFORMATION IV

revitalize IV pub.indd 40 8/25/20 6:24 PM THE LIST MUSEUMS IN SYRACUSE Ranked by 2019 Attendance Research by Vance Marriner [email protected] 2019 Attendance (315) 579-3911 Name — FT Employees

Twitter: @cnybjresearch Address Square Feet of — Executive Director or Top Year

Rank Phone/Website Exhibit Space Volunteers Nature of Operations Executive Estab.

Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of 1 NA hands-on science and technology museum for people of Lauren Kochian, President 1981 1. 120,000 Science & Technology (MOST) — — all ages and includes the Silverman Planetarium and the

500 S. Franklin St. NA NA only domed IMAX® theater in New York state FOOTNOTE Syracuse, NY 13202 1. 2018 data (315) 425-9068/most.org

Onondaga Historical Association 113,813 15 educates and encourages the exploration, appreciation, Gregg Tripoli, Executive Director 1863 2. ABOUT THE LIST 321 Montgomery St. — — and utilization of the past in order to add value This list was drawn from the list of mu- seums in the overall Central New York Syracuse, NY 13202 38,000 85 throughout our community and bring the stories of region that was originally published in (315) 428-1864/cnyhistory.org Onondaga County‘s history to a worldwide audience the June 15, 2020 edition of the Central Everson Museum of Art 1 NA modern and contemporary American art museum; the Elizabeth Dunbar, Director & CEO 1897 New York Business Journal. 3. 80,000 Information was provided by repre- 401 Harrison St. — — Everson engages diverse communities, inspires curiosity,

sentatives of listed organizations and Syracuse, NY 13202 NA NA and lifelong learning, and contributes to a more vital and their websites. Other groups may have been eligible but did not respond to (315) 474-6064/everson.org inclusive society

our requests for information. While Erie Canal Museum 23,000 4 showcasing the only remaining weighlock building in the Natalie Stetson, Executive 1962 The Business Journal strives to print 4. accurate information, it is not possible 318 Erie Boulevard East — — U.S., the Erie Canal Museum collects and preserves Canal Director

to independently verify all data Syracuse, NY 13202 12,000 35 material, and provides engaging educational experiences submitted. We reserve the right to edit entries or delete categories for space (315) 471-0593/eriecanalmuseum.org that champion an appreciation and understanding of the

considerations. Erie Canal’s transforming effects on the past, present,

and future

/360

REVITALIZE SYRACUSE: THE DOWNTOWN TRANSFORMATION IV I 41

revitalize IV pub.indd 41 8/25/20 6:24 PM How to Keep Going When You Want It All to Go Away

ow long will the Damocles Sword People are no different, so it may be of the coronavirus pandemic hang time to ask yourself a tough question, over our heads? As the days drag “Am I dated?” Think about it. What can H on, will it threaten to upend us you do to “update” yourself? Sure, you NO NONSENSE MARKETING: indefinitely? Even though we try to avoid may know your job “backwards and for- thinking about the troubling possibilities, wards,” but that doesn’t count anymore. JOHN GRAHAM they keep creeping into our minds, cre- Focus on figuring out how to revise your CONSULTANT/WRITER ating more stress, clouding our ability performance. How can you make what to stay focused, and leaving us irritable, you do more relevant? What can you do Magnet Marketing angry, less effective, and tired. to enhance your value? Think about the It’s not a pretty picture, not one we possibilities. that everything is up for grabs because of could possibly imagine ever facing. So, the pandemic, it is: the way we live, work, when we’re confused and uncertain about 3. Get better acquainted with yourself play, learn, shop, think, do business, and the future, what are we to do? Here are If you really want to get to know your- behave. It’s all changing and will surely some thoughts about that bothersome self as you really are, you might want to continue to evolve. Keeping an eye out for question. spend time in Wyoming. But be prepared, the unpredictable will make living easier Wyomingites aren’t subtle. They don’t and more rewarding. 1. Don’t listen to yourself tip-toe around; they’re not afraid to tell it Why does it always happen when we like it is, no matter who you are. Having 5. Change the picture of yourself are trying to get to sleep at night? But lived there, I speak from experience. For Add continuing uncertainty to the per- that’s the way it is. What’s so upsetting is example, I recall the memorable words vasive impact of COVID-19 and it’s more that the person who causes the anxiety of a motorcycle-riding English professor than enough to distort our picture of and does the damage is the one who lives from the UW: “If you can’t write it, you ourselves and crush our self-confidence. inside our head. We are never our own don’t know it.” Got it! It’s too much to let ourselves think about best friend in the middle of the night. Here is the point. If you want to get bet- what could possibly be coming next. So, stop listening to yourself. It’s time ter acquainted with yourself, jot down life Perhaps not. How we happen to view for a personal fact-checker, but neither experiences from your early memories ourselves is not a given or chiseled in Alexa nor Siri qualify. This is a job for to what is happening now. Don’t just re- stone, unless, we allow ourselves to someone you trust. Ask, “This is what’s member them, get them on paper. Write look at it that way. In a wonderful essay, concerning me. Am I on track or off the them down as they come to mind. Ideas “Homo Sapiens: The Unfinished Animal,” rails?” never come all at once. If you really want physicist George Stanciu, Ph.D., writes, to know yourself, start writing. You may “Nature gives human beings no specific 2. Look for new possibilities like what you discover. way of life — no fixed occupation, no The good news is that life is not a fitting dress, no appropriate emotional matter of choosing the right fake Zoom 4. Be ready for the unexpected profile. It’s as if nature grew tired when background to convince ourselves (and How many times in the last six months she fashioned Homo sapiens and left this others) that we’re more than just OK. It have you heard someone say, perhaps one species unfinished.” amounts to more than that. wistfully, “I’ll sure be glad when life gets And that’s good news. In spite of every- Recently, an editor sent me one of my back to the way it was.” Even though thing, what we do with what we are given sales articles. He had kept it until he we may not have said it out loud, most has not been written or handed to us. found the right place for it. Recognizing everyone has harbored the thought more Our story is unfinished — and it’s in our that it had been around for about a year, than a few times. It’s just too much to let hands. n he asked if I would look it over to see if it ourselves think that going back is not an needed updating. Well, my first reaction option. John Graham of GrahamComm is a mar- was less than positive. But, swallowing If we have learned anything from the keting and sales strategy consultant and my pride, I read it and was shocked at pandemic, it’s that we should learn to business writer. He is the creator of “Magnet what I found. In a relatively short time, keep an eye out for surprises and the Marketing,” and publishes a free month- the world changed dramatically and the unexpected, or, as the slang would have it, ly eBulletin, “No Nonsense Marketing & article needed updating to reflect what they come from “out of left field.” Sales Ideas.” Contact him at jgraham@gra- had transpired. Even though we may not like to think hamcomm.com or visit: johnrgraham.com

42 I REVITALIZE SYRACUSE: THE DOWNTOWN TRANSFORMATION IV

revitalize IV pub.indd 42 8/25/20 6:25 PM Unified Communications

CAREER SUMMARY

Meet the Team I started with Usherwood as a Contracts Administrator, before moving into the role of Sales Analyst. In both positions, I worked closely with our sales LAURA CAHILL professionals and gained great insight on different aspects of the business. When the opportunity presented itself to move into my current role, I felt my I live in Camillus, NY with my technical skills could provide value to our clients navigating through the ever fiancé, Andrew, and our 8 year evolving world of unified communications. old Rottweiler- Shepherd, Q&A Teagan, who is always keeping us on our toes with her antics. I What do you feel your team does better than anyone else in the industry? have found a new love for I believe shared knowledge and communication sets our Team apart from gardening! It may have started others in our industry. Whenever a new feature is released or updated on out of necessity to learn how to mow the lawn as my any of our applications, we are excited to share with the Team. This not only fiancé is usually busy this time of year between tee times, keeps us all educated, but it also keeps that culture alive. but I love it! Tell us about how you are getting by in these difficult times with Covid-19. JOB POSITION I’ve been crafting my way through Covid! Where do you see yourself in 20 years? Laura is a Managed Solutions Specialist in our Unified I hope in 20 years I see a lot of what I see today – surrounded by friends and Communications (UC) group. UC represents several of family and a career that is always evolving with new technologies. Usherwood’s line of businesses to include Poly video What are your future plans in Syracuse? conference, Microsoft Teams, telephony, and digital I moved into a new house last summer with my fiancé. We are getting signage with coverage throughout the Northeast. married in September and excited to start that journey together! CERTIFICATIONS What high school did you graduate from: West Genesee What college did you attend: Keuka College Axis Network Video Certified Professional What sports did you play as a child and what were your favorites: I played Intermedia Unite Sales Certification for Private Label hockey when I was very young – retired once I learned how to skate. Then I was a cheerleader in high school – sports were never my thing! S O U N D B I T E Are you on any boards or do you have any personal passions for community:

My family background is always a fun topic – my dad was I am on the Board of Directors for the Syracuse St. Patrick’s Parade. My born and raised here in Syracuse on Tipperary Hill (hence role involves organizing our Grand Marshal Gala the evening before the the Irish connection). My mom was born and raised in El parade each year. I am very proud of the work the parade does in Paso, TX, coming to Syracuse for work with American conjunction with the Hunger Project to raise funds to support local agencies Airlines. The two met at none other than Nibsy’s Pub on such as the Food Bank of CNY to fight hunger in our community. Tipp Hill.

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REVITALIZE SYRACUSE: THE DOWNTOWN TRANSFORMATION IV I 43

revitalize IV pub.indd 43 8/25/20 6:26 PM How Businesses Can Avoid Becoming Irrelevant in a Changing World

he business world has produced a A few years ago when my company did veritable graveyard of once mag- such a ranking, I realized one product line nificently successful companies that the business had offered for years didn’t T came, conquered, and thrived — but measure up and needed to go. It was hard ultimately perished. to deliver, had low gross margins, was In many cases, those businesses share extremely people intensive, and had very VIEWPOINT: a common reason for their demise: Times limited scalability. The time, energy, ef- changed. They didn’t. fort, and capital we were investing in this ADAM WITTY I have always been fond of the saying product line were taking away our ability CEO that if you don’t like change, you’re going to invest in new products that would be to like irrelevance even less. more scalable and more profitable. Advantage/Forbes Books Over the years, many businesses • Always be on the lookout for new sion, a willingness to adapt to changing discovered they didn’t change quickly ideas. What worked yesterday may not consumer habits and ways of doing busi- enough, much to their chagrin. Others re- work tomorrow, so savvy business leaders ness is probably more important than alized their old business model no longer are always open to new ideas for bringing ever. The businesses most likely to thrive “I have always been applied, and they did adapt. in revenue. You should also encourage coming out of this are those that have fond of the saying that In the last decade or so, media compa- employees to suggest ideas. Maybe a lot a plan, but also remain flexible and are nies especially have had to navigate their of those won’t work. But the more ideas willing to change that plan as the circum- if you don’t like change, way through an extraordinary disruption that get tossed around, the better the odds stances around them change. n of their business models. something will prove a winner. you’re going to like Reading habits and advertising hab- • Favor facts and data over opin- Adam Witty, co-author with Rusty Shelton its shifted. This meant media companies ions. No matter how much entrepre- of “Authority Marketing: Your Blueprint irrelevance even less.” needed to diversify and be innovative if neurs love the business plan they used to Build Thought Leadership That Grows they wanted to continue to thrive. originally to launch their business, they Business, Attracts Opportunity, and Makes With COVID-19 and the 2020 reces- need to make decisions about the future Competition Irrelevant,” is the CEO of sion forcing companies to navigate their based on facts and data. You must deal Advantage/ForbesBooks (www.advantage- way through even more changes, busi- with the way things are, rather than the family.com) which he started in 2005. The nesses that want to avoid tumbling into way you want them to be. Facts and data company helps busy professionals become irrelevance need to do the following. will tell you the way things are. the authority in their field through publish- • Review and rank their products. Because of COVID-19 and the reces- ing and marketing.

talked to, interest in apartments still is strong,” Downtown Committee’s website. DOWNTOWN SYRACUSE Treier says. “They were showing apartments Downtown Syracuse currently has 4,020 continued fr om page 5 virtually [and with social-distancing guide- residents and continues to grow, the organi- lines.] From what we’re being told [people are zation says. ed May 1, and that included construction. still very interested in downtown apartments.]” All downtown residential development proj- A number of the new apartment devel- Reviving restaurants ects that the Downtown Committee is aware of opments will be featured on the Downtown Shifting gears to downtown Syracuse’s have been able to resume, Treier says. Committee’s 14th annual Downtown Living food scene, a couple of summertime promo- The Hudson Building at 239-245 W. Tour to be held on Sept. 26, using social-dis- tions were put into place to help give restau- Fayette St. is an example of that. The Hudson tancing measures such as 50 percent capac- rants a boost amid the pandemic. Lofts recently opened, offer upscale residen- ity in buildings and other safety measures The Downtown Committee introduced tial living. “They opened maybe two months such as wearing masks and using hand san- a special summer version of its Downtown later than they originally planned to because itizer. The organization put a lot of thought Dining Weeks promotion, which is usually construction had been halted for a couple of into how it could hold this event safely and held in wintertime. The Summer Dining different months,” Treier says. has implemented significant policies and pro- Deals promotion was held July 27-Aug. 15 She continues, “So I think those projects are cedures, its leader says. and offered special menus for fixed, discount up and moving again, but some of their time- “The event is created to show off the de- prices. It also provided outdoor dining and lines for completion may have shifted slightly.” velopment happening and it builds the buzz takeout options for people who were more Right now, 406 residential units are under for downtown.” says Treier. comfortable with that than dining inside. construction at 10 buildings, all expected The buildings to be featured on the tour “The Dining Week promotion was a way to be complete by the end of 2020, per the include the Hudson Lofts, Washington to encourage people to visit some of these Downtown Committee. There is $260 million Place, Willow 123 Lofts, the Addis Building, restaurants again,” says Treier. in development activity underway. 484 S. Salina St. and Salt City Marketplace, “From some of the real-estate folks we’ve and the Commonspace expansion, per the 4DOWNTOWN SYRACUSE, CONTINUED ON PAGE 45

44 I REVITALIZE SYRACUSE: THE DOWNTOWN TRANSFORMATION IV

revitalize IV pub.indd 44 8/25/20 6:47 PM St. John The Baptist Cupola Restoration n Project Description: Restoration of five original copper cupolas, louvers, and historic trim work atop the church roof. This was phase 2 of a two-phase project. Phase 1 replace- ment of the main roof, gutters & downspouts, and miscel- laneous masonry restoration was completed by Whelan & Curry in 2016 n Project Location: Syracuse n Start Date: July 31, 2018 n Total Construction Volume: $330,000 n Completion Date: March 28, 2019 n Start Date: August 6, 2018 n Building Owner: North Central Church n Completion Date: June 15, 2019 n Construction Manager: Whelan & Curry Construction n Building Owner: St. John The Baptist Ukrainian Services, Inc. Catholic Church n Engineer: St. Germain & Aupperle Consulting n Construction Manager: Whelan & Curry Construction Engineers, PLLC Services, Inc. n Primary Subcontractors: All Wall Builders, Gitzen n Architect: Daniel Manning Architect, PLLC Companies, Sposato Floor Coverings, Neivel Precision n Primary Subcontractors: Leelands Slate Roofing, AlL Plumbing, Top Flight HVAC, Pompo Electric Wall Builders

DOWNTOWN SYRACUSE continued fr om page 44

The other promotion was the Weekends on Walton program, which closed down Walton Street to expand space for outdoor dining Friday through Sunday during part of the summer. “That was also a big boost for the restau- rants and made a big difference just because you have so much additional space to have the outdoor dining,” she says. So the Friday and Saturday night dinners, in particular, were very popular there.” The outlook The Downtown Committee’s executive director is optimistic about how downtown Syracuse will emerge from this pandemic and be able to resume the revitalization story that it had going. “Our downtown is at such a good scale in terms of being able weather this storm. Everything’s going to be much different from this point forward, but we are fortunate that we have resilient business owners. People have been adapting and transitioning to the new world around us, in terms of rethink- ing their business models. And from a pub- lic-space perspective, we’re looking at how can we use some of these public assets to continue to support our businesses.” Treier contends. “Our revitalize story is going to continue. It’s just going to be probably a bit different for the next 18 months or so.” She concludes, “Syracuse does have the opportunity to position itself as one of these less-populated, [attractive] cities. We were able to get control of COVID within our com- munity to keep our numbers from an infection Family Owned & Operated rate [perspective] very low. That allowed us to bounce back quicker than New York City in terms of being able to reopen our businesses for 4 Generations and resume sort of our new normal. There could be a huge opportunity for us to attract employers and talent to the region.” n speachf amilycand y.com • 315-478-3100

REVITALIZE SYRACUSE: THE DOWNTOWN TRANSFORMATION IV I 45

revitalize IV pub.indd 45 8/25/20 6:47 PM FILM SHOOTS continued fr om page 16 “[It has] very low COVID numbers … The population density is lower than most cities. We can isolate in hotels and quarantine in hotels and then we can shoot very safely in multiple stages,” “The Oncenter’s three facilities (Convention Center, War he adds. Memorial Arena and Civic Center theaters) have provided ex- The region hosted some additional filming for local produc- tensive support of the entertainment industry, Syracuse commu- tion company American High and Hulu in mid-August as it was nity and local economy for more than 25 years,” Matt Hollander, cleared for filming as part of New York’s reopening phase four, ASM Global general manager of the Oncenter, said in a state- according to Vinal. ment. “We are thrilled to be accepted as a qualified production facility, expanding the footprint of film production capabilities Recent productions within Onondaga County, and continuing our longstanding com- Visit Syracuse says 2019 produced “record” numbers in terms mitment of celebrating the arts in Central New York.” of the local film industry, with seven productions taking place The addition of the Redhouse and the Oncenter increases the within Onondaga County with close to $30 million in production number of productions able to film in the area at one time, and budgets “and leaving more than $20 million of that total within also allows for greater social distancing and safety measures. the community.” “Film is a vital part of the performing arts industry, Redhouse is The films included “The Night House,” which shot in very excited to support the work being done across Central New Syracuse, Skaneateles, and the Greater Syracuse Soundstage. It York,” Samara Hannah, executive director of the Redhouse, said. premiered at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival earning “reviews Vinal notes that some of the bigger markets where produc- as the first chilling horror surprise” of the year. The film was tion companies work, like New York City, Los Angeles, and also the first major acquisition of the festival, with Searchlight Atlanta, haven’t allowed film shoots to resume (as of Aug. 20) Pictures purchasing it for $12 million. and the production companies that work in those markets could Another film, “Big Time Adolescence,” was shot by American decide to shift filming operations to Syracuse. High and later purchased by Hulu, Visit Syracuse said. n

:: business journal index :: BOSSO VIEWPOINT continued fr om page 37

ganizations to match the cor- for the information. Meetings rect means to solutions. should be held with each • Capture the enablers. team, and it’s important to un- Examples of enablers key to derstand that each may be pro- the transformation process are tective of its objective, ways, those in program management and means. This could set up and data science. Enablers turf battles and heated dis- cannot operate on their own cussions, so explicitly setting to make something happen. the objective of the meetings They are, however, necessary to understand synergies can or simply useful for that same help alleviate disagreements thing to happen. For example, and fears. change management cannot Undergoing a major trans- improve the performance of formation is really the best the sales organization without hope for struggling business- some level of sales expertise. es to survive in these diffi- Once enablers are defined, cult times. There is no time to it’s important to capture the waste. There are no resources various ways in which each to waste. To get your transfor- enabler supports the transfor- mation on target, setting the mation program. right scope is critical from the • Explore synergies and outset. n interdependencies. This step focuses on understanding Edwin Bosso is author of the overlaps, synergy opportu- “6,000 Dreams: The Leader’s nities, and constraints caused Guide To A Successful Business Featuring stocks of local interest by ongoing initiatives. Start Transformation Journey,” shown every weeknight on with a list of all current initia- published by ForbesBooks, tives that the organization is and founder/CEO of Myrtle Spectrum News running. The finance depart- Consulting Group (www.myr- ment is typically a good source tlegroup.com).

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46 I REVITALIZE SYRACUSE: THE DOWNTOWN TRANSFORMATION IV

revitalize IV pub.indd 46 8/25/20 5:21 PM YES! We’re Open for BUSINESS!

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revitalize IV pub.indd 47 8/25/20 6:26 PM ADOPT-A-BLOCK doing everything possible to make sure that clean, include Hire Ground, Onondaga continued fr om page 6 they’re following the executive order from County Save the Rain, OCRRA (Onondaga Gov. Cuomo,” Maldonado-Lewis says. County Resource Recovery Agency), and The gathering can only involve as many as Onondaga Earth Corps. imity to one another. 50 people, per state guidance until it changes. New teams looking to adopt un- “They’re social distancing, unless they live If the group has more than 50, it has to split claimed blocks can sign up by contacting in the same household; wearing masks; mak- up to focus on a different area, she adds. Maldonado-Lewis at [email protected] or ing sure that they have hand sanitizer, gloves, This year’s partner organizations, register using the online registration form pickers so they’re not using their hands; with a similar mission to keep Syracuse at syrgov.net/cleanupcuse. n

FRANKLIN SQUARE space are available. attorney specializing in historic tax cred- continued fr om page 8 Both buildings are being purchased its at the Syracuse–based law firm of from Kemper Matt, Jr. of Dupli. Gehm Lynn D’Elia Temes & Stanczyk, says declined to discuss details of the trans- that while the pandemic and the ensuing Gehm says he was involved in the pre- actions, including who is providing mort- recession have made lenders more cau- vious redevelopment of the building to gage financing. tious, mixed-use projects like the Franklin add the Central Rock Gym, which offers Lahinch Group will be the real-estate Square redevelopments involving historic rock climbing, fitness, and yoga. broker and property manager of both tax credits are going “full speed ahead.” The neighboring building at 156 Solar properties after their redevelopment is Investors in historic tax credits have not St. was once home to the Amphion Piano complete, Gehm says. gone away, he says. Player Factory and later a box manufac- Gehm says they hope to start construc- Historic tax credits are one of the few turing company, Syracuse Scale, which tion on the Merrell-Soule Building by the tools available to get projects done in New operated there for more than 30 years, end of this year and begin construction York state because of the lack of econom- Gehm says. on the Solar Street building by mid-2021. ic-development funds from state and local He notes the property is the “last re- The architect for both historic redevelop- governments, Lynn contends. maining untouched, undeveloped prop- ment projects is MacKnight Architects, Historic tax credits are essential for erty in Franklin Square” and has been LLP of Syracuse. redevelopment in “places like Syracuse, distressed for many years. Rochester, Buffalo, Albany and Utica for The plan is to redevelop the building Impact of COVID-19 buildings that would otherwise be al- into about 20 loft apartments and 30,000 When assessing the real-estate mar- lowed to fall and crumble,” he says. square feet of commercial and/or retail ketplace amid the pandemic, Gehm The large Merrell-Soule building space, Gehm says. says that COVID-19 has not dented the would be too expensive to restore given This $11 million project will convert market for residential units, especially rent prices in Syracuse without the histor- a “severely blighted property” into an because more people are working from ic tax credits, Lynn adds. adaptive reuse project which will house home. The developers will receive 20 percent some of “Syracuse’s most unique live- “The true impact I see on our market New York State and 20 percent federal work space,” according to a project de- is in commercial real estate. More and tax credits on qualified expenditures (is- scription on the Lahinch Group website. more companies are working remotely. I sued from the New York State Historic Second-story apartments will feature 10- am optimistic that as hopefully a vaccine Preservation Office and the National foot windows, exposed brick, and natural comes out commercial real estate will Parks Service), according to Gehm. wood throughout. The 3rd level will pro- turn around and people will want to be in The Syracuse Industrial Development vide loft-style bedrooms, accompanied by office spaces again.” Agency (SIDA) also approved a total of modern building amenities and on-site Timothy M. Lynn, a minority owner $4.9 million in tax incentives for the proj- indoor parking. Commercial and retail in the Franklin Square projects and an ects. n

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48 I REVITALIZE SYRACUSE: THE DOWNTOWN TRANSFORMATION IV

revitalize IV pub.indd 48 8/25/20 5:30 PM We understand leaving the office to go to the bank isn’t always an option and you need to maximize your time. Our goal is to streamline your business operations with flexible solutions like Remote Deposit Capture. Pathfinder Bank is grateful to work with local businesses like Associated Chiropractics and to be a small part of their story. Above all, our priority is being available to our customers, while building continuous trust and support with the businesses and individuals of our community. When our customers succeed, we all benefit.

“In your head, you don’t really understand how busy it will be until you’re in the thick of it. Being that busy from day to day, sometimes you don’t have time to run any errands. Since being set up with a desk scanner, I can deposit checks from my office which saves me a trip to the bank. That’s been a lifesaver. The convenience factor you get from Pathfinder Bank and that one to one relationship has been extremely important and helpful. I don’t think you get that attention when you’re a customer of a larger bank.” – Dr. Kelsey Roberts, Owner of Associated Chiropractics

315.343.0057 pathfinderbank.com Oswego • Fulton • Mexico • Central Square Lacona • Cicero • Clay • Syracuse • Utica

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