By Michael Short, staff writer

 

Syracuse University’s Office of Community Engagement and Economic Development recently confirmed that the Connective Corridor Façade Improvement Program (FIP) is now closed to new applicants. The program, which launched earlier this year with $625,000 in funding from Empire State Development Corporation, has experienced a great deal of success, with its funding conditionally allocated to a pool of more than 40 applicants.

The Façade Improvement Program aims to improve the physical and aesthetic conditions of properties along the Connective Corridor, thereby enhancing the urban experience of living, working and enjoying the various cultural and social opportunities in University Hill and downtown Syracuse. Eligible property owners or tenants could apply for up to $25,000 in capital improvement funding to upgrade various features such as windows, lighting, landscaping, signage and outdoor furnishings. Murals were also eligible for funding, in order to enliven the Corridor and bring an artistic presence to the route.

“We’re really pleased with the progress the program is making,” shares Robbi Farschman, director of the Connective Corridor. “We’ve had a diverse array of proposed upgrades.  I think the mural that will be hosted on the façade of Lemp Jewelers is one of the more captivating things we’ve approved – it’ll be composed of QR codes that can be read by any smart phone with a QR app (which is free to download)!”

The first FIP applicant to receive final approval, the Onondaga Historical Association (OHA), received $25,000 for window restorations as part of a larger $500,000 renovation project. The OHA upgrade wrapped up last month and is a shining success!

To date, the FIP has granted 14 projects final approval. Eight of these are slated to move forward in the near future:

(1) Hill Medical Center will receive funding for a new building sign;

(2) Lemp Jewelers will receive funding for replacement lighting at S. Warren and E. Fayette St., as well as a mural that will cover the west wall of the building;

(3-4) Orange Residential Properties will receive funding to paint and install awnings at 411 & 413 University Ave.;

(5) Pioneer Management Group will receive funding for an awning at 250 S. Clinton St.;

(6) PJ’s Pub and Grill will receive funding to create a new outdoor dining area with tables and chairs, an awning, lighting and window treatments, paver replacement and façade painting;

(7) Deys Building will receive funding for new awnings; and,

(8) Hogan Block Building will receive funding for new awnings.

Although the program is moving full steam ahead, timing is playing a large role for implementation of a number of projects. As Curtis Butler, owner of PJ’s Pub and Grill, explains, “Typically, the latest that painters can work is November 15th due to the weather in Syracuse. So, it might be impossible to get all of the necessary city approvals at this point. Syracuse weather limitations aside, we’re excited to move forward with our project.”

Whether improvements are made this fall or in the spring, the Corridor is gearing up to have pops of color along the route. “This program is helping to create a vibrant, urban environment that will have a huge impact on the city,” says Steve Case of Paramount Realty Group, which manages the Deys and Hogan buildings, “We’re eager to see the Corridor come to life!”

For more information on the Façade Improvement Program, contact Michael Short, project manager, at (315) 443-5402 or mwshort@syr.edu.