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Long-planned development project on Syracuse’s south side gains momentum

The empty lots on South Ave .at left and at right (beyond the two houses) are the sites of the future Southside Renaissance Project.
Scott Willis
/
WAER News
The empty lots on South Ave .at left and at right (beyond the two houses) are the sites of the future Southside Renaissance Project.

A mixed-use project in an underdeveloped corridor on Syracuse’s south side is coming to fruition after four years of planning. Renderings for the Southside Renaissance Project show two buildings on separate parcels in the 1500 block of South Ave. Founder and President of the Women’s Economic Institute Charlene Tarver said it includes a small business incubator.

“We will have restaurateurs of color who are operating right here on this soil with the Southside Renaissance Project in the incubator,” she said. “We also are bringing in 75 units of senior housing in the project. We know there's a need for affordable housing.”

A poster for the land dedication event Friday and a rendering of the project.
Scott Willis
/
WAER News
A poster for the land dedication event Friday and a rendering of the project.

Tarver’s organization is co-developing the project with St. Nicks Alliance, which is extending its reach outside of New York City.

“We believe that this project is unique in that it really creates a focal point in the community,” said Frank Lang, Deputy Director of Housing with St. Nicks. “With that kind of density of needed housing and the mix of retail, community facility space.”

Lang said the $41 million price tag is covered by combination of private funding, state loans, grants, and tax credits. Groundbreaking is expected in 2027 and the project should be completed in 2029.

From left to right, Frank Lang with St. Nick's Alliance, Charlene Tarver, and Monica Dean, Director of Housing with New York state office of the Local Initiatives Support Corporation, or LISC.
Scott Willis
/
WAER News
From left to right, Frank Lang with St. Nick's Alliance, Charlene Tarver, and Monica Dean, Director of Housing with New York state office of the Local Initiatives Support Corporation, or LISC.

Scott Willis covers politics, local government, transportation, and arts and culture for WAER. He came to Syracuse from Detroit in 2001, where he began his career in radio as an intern and freelance reporter. Scott is honored and privileged to bring the day’s news and in-depth feature reporting to WAER’s dedicated and generous listeners. You can find him on twitter @swillisWAER and email him at srwillis@syr.edu.