Project History:
For 100 years, the Dey Brothers Department Store reigned as the queen of the Downtown Syracuse retail scene. However, with the economic downturn of the 1980's combined with the surge in popularity of suburban shopping malls, the original store eventually failed. Even though inspection of the building revealed the structure to be sound and able to support a variety of tenant needs, neither retail nor office space were at a premium in downtown Syracuse. Thus, without a viable tenant, no renovation project could proceed.

However, in 1994, Joe Hucko and partners saw the building's renovation as an answer to the Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation's search for an adequate space in which to consolidate their customer service centers into one.

Challenge:
Covered by a marble facade installed in the 60's to modernize the look of the building, the Deys building faced its second century in disrepair. The renovation included the removal of the facade to restore the building's original architectural detail and close attention was paid to its restoration.

Solution:
Joe Hucko, president of Washington St. Partners, and his previous partners found a way to creatively combined historic tax credits and financing to devise a plan for the building's renovation. The City of Syracuse embraced the plan and restoration began.

Now, a visit to South Salina Street reveals a fully restored Plaza and the return of the prestigious Syracuse commercial district.

Property Info
Project Type: Development, Management, Leasing
Address:
400 South Salina St. Syracuse, NY
Commenced:
1994
Size:
300,000 Square Feet
Usage:
Office Building