Mayor Walsh and County Executive McMahon Announce Hotel Development

Mayor Walsh and County Executive McMahon Announce Hotel Development

Published on January 24, 2025

The City of Syracuse Industrial Development Agency selected developer Sun Companies to acquire and redevelop the M. Lemp Park Site and construct a new 245-room hotel and parking facility

The Onondaga Hotel Project will result in approximately 330 construction jobs, 52 permanent jobs, and $87 million in new investment downtown

Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh and Onondaga County Executive J. Ryan McMahon II announced a new full-service hotel facility is coming to the heart of Downtown Syracuse. The Onondaga Hotel project, led by developer Sun Companies, includes the acquisition of the City of Syracuse Industrial Development Agency (SIDA)-owned M. Lemp Park at 305-21 South Warren Street and the purchase and demolition of the Warren Street garage adjacent to the park to construct a new 245-room hotel and community space with ground-level retail, parking, banquet facilities, and roof-top restaurant and bar.

"The Onondaga Hotel project signals the continued revitalization of Downtown Syracuse and is the direct result of our commitment to increase economic investment in the city's urban core," said Mayor Walsh. "By repurposing publicly owned land and working closely with government and community partners, we are not only meeting the growing demand for hotel rooms and hospitality services in our city but activating a new, vibrant space in the heart of downtown."

The Syracuse Industrial Development Agency and City's priorities to redevelop the site include creating permanent job opportunities for city residents; establishing uses and ground level activity that will contribute to visitor and resident offerings downtown; and returning the properties to tax rolls.

Sun Companies, one of the largest Hilton Hotel developers in the nation, was selected by SIDA following a request for proposals (RFP) in May 2024 to acquire and redevelop M. Lemp Park, a 0.36-acre site located within the South Salina Street Downtown Historic District. SIDA acquired the site in 2008 after three commercial buildings were demolished, investing in park improvements including a temporary recreational space with new lighting, benches, and pathways. The vacant land was renamed in 2011 to M. Lemp Park, honoring the longstanding business M. Lemp Jewelers which still operates today immediately across the street.

As a part of the project, Sun Companies will also acquire and demolish the privately-owned Warren Street Garage next door, which is structurally compromised. In 2024, the City secured funding from the State's Restore New York Communities Initiative to contribute to Warren Street's revitalization. As part of this award, the City will provide $400,000 to support the demolition of the dilapidated parking garage.

The newly constructed 9-story Onondaga Hotel will be a part of Hilton's Curio Collection, a high-end boutique brand that focuses on specialty, unique designs rooted in history and local culture. Hotel amenities, including the lobby lounge, restaurant, bar, ballroom, and break-out rooms for conferences and meetings will all be located on the top level, providing a roof-top view of the city and community space for residents and visitors.

Suraj Patel, a President of Sun Development and Management said, "Founded in 1989, Sun Development and Management Corporation is a family company with a guiding principle to partner with communities to bring world class hospitality that local residents and businesses are proud of. We're thrilled to be partnering with Syracuse and Greater Upstate New York's renaissance. The Onondaga pays homage to both Syracuse's rich heritage and its modern future. We hope it will be a place for generations of Syracuse residents and visitors to host events, make memories, and call home."

Onondaga County Executive McMahon said, "From our vibrant arts and culture scene to our award-winning music venues to our premier convention center facilities, the hospitality and tourism industry has become a vital and growing part of our local economy. Further growth and success in this industry relies heavily on the quantity and quality of available hotel rooms and we are proud that the Onondaga County Hotel Initiative helped make this project a reality. Thank you to Mayor Walsh and his team for their efforts as well as to the Sun Companies team for their investment in our community and its future."

Merike Treier, Executive Director of the Downtown Committee of Syracuse added, "Gaining a new full-service hotel in the heart of Downtown Syracuse is an indicator of the economic development progress we have all been working hard to achieve. The Onondaga Hotel will fulfill a critical need in the local tourism and convention sectors, support additional tourism activity, and create a new third space for our downtown residents and businesses."

Sun Companies has applied to SIDA to support the project, including sales & use tax, mortgage recording tax, and property taxes. This will be on the agenda at SIDA's upcoming board meeting on January 28 to authorize a public hearing that will be held in the coming weeks. In total, the project will result in approximately 330 construction jobs, 52 permanent jobs, and $87 million in new investment to Downtown Syracuse.

To learn more about the City of Syracuse Industrial Development Agency, visit goto.syr.gov/SIDA.

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