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Developments & Investments:
Downtown Utica Neighborhoods
Downtown Utica has been making steady progress for over 15 years! Trends mirror those occuring nationally, as there is renewed interest in urban development. Consider Return of American Cities: Economic Rebound & Future of American Urban Centers. Another website outlines all the themes and types of Downtown Developements.
View our map of Downtown Utica Development Areas, both in and around the COLA neighborhood. And below we show Downtown Utica's progress. They highlight, why the hospital belongs at St. Luke's! For further background, we've traced Downtown Utica's Development dating back to the city's founding.
March 22, 2018 - A Downtown Utica article from 2008...
Story from 2008, as Downtown Utica slowly climbs back... https://t.co/2BrLZkUxNF and this research report adds more to the story... https://t.co/5vKeSFZ2tD Tipping point is near, best direction: #NoHospitalDowntown pic.twitter.com/1fAjWDWtlK
— #NoHospitalDowntown (@NoHospitalDwtn) March 22, 2018
August 27, 2017 - A great question, "Who are we developing downtown for?"
#DowntownUtica was branded, 1K+ people surveyed! https://t.co/wqbkLwl0p9 Consider https://t.co/LKHCXjEzoy and this https://t.co/GYNwdARYYp
— #NoHospitalDowntown (@NoHospitalDwtn) August 27, 2017
In June 2016 we read, Outside developers express interest in Utica, which needs to be measured against this essay: The Big Urban Mistake. Taken together, we suggests that outside developers do not have the same agenda as local downtowners. The difference is very important to the future character of downtown.
Lastly, most of the many developments listed below are NOT due to the more recent proposed hospital concept. Downtown's recent phase of growth follows a nationwide trend connected to changing living patterns, new urbanization, real estate as a booming "investment class", to say nothing of the extraordinary "seed funding" that Albany has been offering.
An out-of-scale, hospital district that erases our central downtown neighborhood is not the transformation we need, or have been marketing for 15 years. It must be relocated!
This @uticaOD article, comments within, proof positive @MVHealthSystem hospital wrongheaded https://t.co/qrgHTlDZlr pic.twitter.com/NDlb6dD53g
— #NoHospitalDowntown (@NoHospitalDwtn) May 2, 2017
We have to ask, "How could such a huge inner-city hospital district balance the numerous, small scale, steps achieved in our small downtown?"
Below, please read about advances mentioned above and you'll understand just how valuable CoLa is and the hospital is not the best use.
Columbia Lafayette Neighborhood (CoLa)
The Columbia Lafayette Neighborhood is home to Erie Canal history; buildings, streets, and alleys- not to mention people and businesses. New York is still working to leverage our canal and canal history, our neighborhood has key ingredients...
Park Outdoor: Digital Billboard
$500,000.00 (completed) Map it!
#MVHealthSystem owns no land in #DowntownUtica for Politicians' Hospital, now there's even less w/ #ParkOutdoor's huge new digital billboard pic.twitter.com/5TAGHTXEVW
— #NoHospitalDowntown (@NoHospitalDwtn) August 14, 2017
Salvation Army Family Store
$125,000 (completed) Map it!
The first Salvation Army representatives to come to the Utica area in the late 1800s... Salvation Army celebrates 125 years. The store at 400 Columbia Street has recently invested in a new HVAC and lighting upgrades totaling $125,000. With a little incentive, and labor supplied from members of BUD, the building's exterior is easily transformed.
Enterprise Car Rental
$300,000.00 (in progress) Map it!
Excellent news for Downtown @CityofUtica, a national car rental agency arrives in the Columbia Lafayette Neighborhood... pic.twitter.com/PZD8RjB41H
— BetterUticaDowntown (@BudsforBUD) March 15, 2018
Historic Row House, 442 Lafayette Street
$100,000.00 (projected) Map it!
"I will be enemy number one because I think this is wrong." Founder of @NoHospitalDwtn buys vacant building within footprint of new #Utica hospital. More: https://t.co/yMZnEXkcpo
— WRVO News (@WRVOnews) March 12, 2018
DATAFLOW
$0.00 (complete) Map it!
ABC ChemDry
$0.00 (complete) Map it!
MV Transportation & Canal-era History Center
$ pending (Various) Map it!
Your Bargain Grocer / Compassion Coalition
$150,000.00 (in progress) Map it!
This "booming" grocery store and distribution center has invested over $150,000 in their facility...
Public Safety Campus
$ (complete) Map it!
Utica's "Gateway Project" in 2001 expanded the police station, parking and added a police maintenance garage. This was followed by a new court house and parking. As a whole, it became the "Public Safety Campus", just opposite the Utica Auditorium. Not yet paid for, it is threaten by the hospital project, Will hospital impact Utica police station?
Police Department
$ (complete) Map it!
Police Maintenance Garage
$ (complete) Map it!
City of Utica Courthouse
$ (complete) Map it!
Kennedy Plaza Apartment
$20,000,000.00 (completed) Map it!
Read story, Extreme makeover: Kennedy Plaza edition.
Extreme Columbia Lafayette makeover: Kennedy Plaza Edition, $20,000,000 invested in 2011 upgrades, read story https://t.co/1lwdC3kIIX Map it: https://t.co/yIq8w4yG4U pic.twitter.com/UvSGWeZXCH
— #NoHospitalDowntown (@NoHospitalDwtn) March 17, 2018
Brodock Building: Lofts @ 502
$3,000,000.00 (completed) Map it!
Read story, , visit their website: Lofts @ 502 and Brodock Development.
Introducing the new Lofts at 502 in the Brodock Press building in @DowntownUtica pic.twitter.com/m74zxJjrhS
— Utica, NY (@CityofUtica) July 20, 2015
Also, the Brodock Press Moves Into Future
Bagg's Square & AUD
A few businesses popped-up, they attracted some foot traffic, then some branding... Graphic designer working to brand Utica’s neighborhoods, today it's become the place to be and invest!
Investments at the Utica AUD
$200,000,000.00 (in progress) Map it!
New tavern and grill coming in spring 2018...
Coming to Utica this Spring, 72 Tavern & Grill will be your new go-to spot to eat, drink, and socialize at the @ADKBankCenter.
— 72 Tavern & Grill (@72Tavern) March 15, 2018
More details: https://t.co/fPB8pvhk3C pic.twitter.com/Cw6pWUUyWb
January 2, 2018 - Coming soon (?) is the Nexus Center...
OUR VIEW: Nexus Center a good way to begin new year --https://t.co/Taco49G0p4 pic.twitter.com/VSRDl0OgOg
— Observer-Dispatch (@uticaOD) January 2, 2018
The newly renovated @TheUticaAUD officially opened with a ribbon cutting ceremony ahead of tonight’s @UticaComets home opener! pic.twitter.com/G0QQ4tBXeK
— Spencer Davidson (@SDavidsonWKTV) November 1, 2017
Progress towards a significant new phase of development...
This lot might look empty, but it’s full of potential! 🤔 pic.twitter.com/y3Zo62bp5M
— ADK Bank Center (@ADKBankCenter) March 1, 2018
Take a peek inside newly remodeled Adirondack Bank Center at Utica Memorial Auditorium before @UticaComets game Wed. https://t.co/l5SpLf2NEg pic.twitter.com/y9CnOTorg1
— Observer-Dispatch (@uticaOD) October 31, 2017
AUD Authority purchases Tartan Textile property for future Nexus Center https://t.co/Q7pKwADTn1 pic.twitter.com/ld37TuFobr
— WKTV (@WKTV) December 21, 2017
Million Dollar NYS Expansion Nearly Complete
Get to the @ADKBankCenter early for Friday's matchup as we kick off the Christmas season with the lighting of our tree! There will be milk and cookies, carolers, and an appearance by Santa Claus! Lights go on at 5pm! pic.twitter.com/dmaHX9v6vp
— Utica Comets (@UticaComets) November 29, 2017
Gov. Cuomo announces $10.5 million in funds for Adirondack Bank Center at Utica Aud.
— Ben Birnell (@OD_Birnell) September 28, 2017
Varick Street & Brewery District
What was known and still label as Varick Street, is now also home to a more encompassing brand and group, The Utica Brewery District Association. Here are the developments we've seen and continue to watch...
Irish Cultural Center
$2,000,000+ (Ongoing) Map it!
A 21,211-square-foot building and has been designed to feature an authentic Irish tavern restaurant, an event center capable of seating more than 300 people and an Irish heritage museum, among other amenities, read more $1 million secured for Utica’s Irish Cultural Center
Thanks @uticaOD for covering these stories! Downtown, @CityofUtica is indeed booming, but: https://t.co/wE5GzkJmvB pic.twitter.com/B7bjFEA0Kh
— #NoHospitalDowntown (@NoHospitalDwtn) August 18, 2017
Globe Mill
$32,000,000.00 (Pending) Map it!
Indianapolis-based KCG Development is planning on transforming Utica’s former Globe Mills complex into apartments and commercial and office space., read more in Globe Mills development grows closer
Genesee Street Business District
Utica National Insurance
$61,000,000.00+ (2002) Map it!
A new state-of-the-art facility is home to two of the company's largest units, the Eastern Regional Office and the Agents Errors and Omissions Department, along with the Uni-Service Excess Facilities and the Commercial Lines Customer Support Center. 225 employees will occupy the company's new 47,400 square-foot building in downtown Utica. The $6.1 Million-dollar project is the center of downtown Utica's new revitalization project. The building has a raised computer floor throughout and office landscape partitions allow great flexibility for the owner to re-adjust work areas quickly. The company's 1906 fire engine is the main focal point at the main lobby and has been a symbol of Utica National Insurance for many years. [Ref.]
Bassett Health Building
$1,000,000.00+ (Underway) Map it!
Efforts to transform the former M&T Bank office building in downtown Utica are almost complete, learn more in Bassett Health building latest in downtown renovations
Hotel Utica Undergoes Multiple Renovations
$10,000,000.00 (completed) Map it!
Great to celebrate the grand opening of the gorgeous new Doubletree by Hilton Utica. Thank you to Andy Patel for restoring a Utica landmark! pic.twitter.com/WBZt5nJ5mW
— Robert M. Palmieri (@MayorPalmieri) October 24, 2017
Large @doubletree sign about to go up in downtown Utica at the old Hotel Utica.@WKTV pic.twitter.com/q1hXEZUV1X
— earl davis (@edavisearl) August 15, 2017
Want a sneak peek inside the renovations at the Hotel Utica? (Soon to be a DoubleTree by Hilton) -- https://t.co/6Q5MKwOe6r pic.twitter.com/V6zzlaPw6N
— Observer-Dispatch (@uticaOD) March 27, 2017
Pizza Classic / Black River Systems Block
$ pending (completed) Map it!
Landmarc Building
$3,000,000.00 (completed) Map it!
The future home of Galaxy Communications in Utica. Studios looking out on Genesee Street. Cheap Seats with a view! pic.twitter.com/ZNZBFHStWp
— Mike Spellman (@spellman_sports) October 30, 2014
History Marker
Major General Butterfield says hello from Genesee St/Landmarc - probably not on your iTunes play list but his tune is known worldwide. pic.twitter.com/2IfqEwQU0C
— Keith Hunt (@keithhuntwktv) October 31, 2017
171 Genesee Street
$1,000,000+ (completed) Map it!
FosterMartin Interactive Marketing
Owner of FosterMartin, ,
Christine’s Cookie Shoppe
Christine's cookie shoppe opened their door today in downtown Utica. Yummy treats for all tastebuds.@WKTV pic.twitter.com/gWVX6umNXJ
— earl davis (@edavisearl) March 29, 2017
Ecclesta Creperie
Delicious #crepes!! Please visit new eatery, Ecclesta Creperie, 271Genesee St. It is next to Christine’s Cookie Shoppe (fantastic pastries) and Character Coffee (exquisite coffee). Downtown #Utica is becoming The new #Upstate #Brooklyn, a growingProgressive community!!! #cny pic.twitter.com/KroZS93ZWN
— John Furman (@johnfurmanutica) February 6, 2018
Character Coffee
Q&A with Jesse Martin of Character Coffee in Utica --https://t.co/I1QIoNiotb pic.twitter.com/iLBKNCfA0H
— Observer-Dispatch (@uticaOD) February 5, 2018 >167 Genesee Street
$4,000,000.00 (planning) Map it!
See a media story, Coming To Downtown Utica
Adirondack Building
$3,000,000.00 (completed) Map it!
Roso's Cafe and Catering hands out Thanksgiving to-go for those in needhttps://t.co/ANlqSU5wtS pic.twitter.com/FDjKzQkTaG
— WKTV (@WKTV) November 22, 2017
Clark Center
$250,000+ (Ongoing) Map it!
December 13, 2012 Read, Utica College moving online courses downtown... "With the help of a $250,000 state grant, Utica College is leasing two floors of the Harza building at 175-183 Genesee Street to expand its online courses, bringing about 50 jobs to downtown over the next five years."
Hotel at Utica Center
$6,000,000.00 (complete) Map it!
Former Radisson, now a Delta brand of Marriott and called "Hotel at Utica Center"...
Construction updates on the former #Utica Radisson Hotel https://t.co/INnegIywpG pic.twitter.com/fZpUH0v1PL
— Rachel Murphy (@RMurphyWKTV) March 13, 2018
Busy Corner
April 22, 2013 - Downtown’s “Busy Corner” has $500,000 In "Rebuild Mohawk Valley", Main Street Upgrades underway. Business include;
- $67,109 for the Bleecker Street building owned by David and Regina Bonacci
- $16,366 for Antiques and Such on Genesee Street
- $65,717 for the Crave bar and upstairs apartments on Bleecker Street
- $50,000 for improving the existing façade at Black River Systems on Genesee Street
-$50,000 for renovating two apartments above Karate School Dragon dojo on Bleecker Street.
New York Connection and Master Pizza, also have signed up for the grant, but amounts were not diclosed.
June 29, 2017 - 7 Utica businesses to receive funding for improvements.
Franklin Square
$ Pending (completed) Map it!
Bite Bakery
$ Pending (completed) Map it!
Branding: "Discover A New Downtown Utica"
Neighborhoods take years to develop. Often coming after many small starts and stops, study and testing, with branding things can get "kicked-up" into a higher gear...
Here the audio, as Downtown Utica is surveyed, "Get To Know A New Downtown Utica".
Marketing can be VERY powerful. Neighborhoods take MANY years to build; while downtown @CityofUtica has several, none should be bulldozed! Say “Yes” to “A New #DowntownUtica” & https://t.co/9TrY6OqsMq Say “No” to @MVHealthSystem’s #mvhsdowntown hospital pic.twitter.com/g13AjU4m3o
— Brett Truett (@BrettTruett) March 19, 2018
The branding of Downtown Utica came about after a successful branding of Utica's Bagg's Square Neighborhood. Next up, Better Utica Downtown is positioning to advance downtown's CoLa Neighborhood!
The MWPAI Arts District
Stewart Shops
New store on southern edge of Columbia Lafayette Neighborhood, Store Profile
Watch the Video: Stewart's In Utica! and Here
Dapper Dan Dry-cleaner
Tramontane Cafe
Cafe refinances with City of Utica, owners chart path to grow stronger...
So many cookies &muffins to go with a neato day for yummy &warm! #UticaPoetsSociety at 7:30pm lots happening this weekend!Right @jakell ?! pic.twitter.com/wiR2JQLIG7
— Tramontane Cafe (@TramontaneCafe) January 4, 2018
Next door to the Tram, XX opens a new eatery in February 2018!
Munson Williams Proctor Art Institute
DYK -- @CityofUtica is home to architect Philip Johnson's first museum commission @MWPAI -- a masterpiece of modern exterior and interior architecture+design? Now being preserved via a new NYS grant. @SenGriffo @ABrindisiNY pic.twitter.com/XIQFLuBRov
— Tim Clancy (@archstreetllc) December 14, 2017
Munson-Williams-Proctor launches online museum with 5,000 pieceshttps://t.co/XvW3lixwJC pic.twitter.com/f7lFp8RpVs
— WKTV (@WKTV) October 30, 2017
Downtown Transportation & Infrastructure Projects
North-South Arterial Project
$65,000,000 (completed) Map it!
We're working w/ @UticaDowntown and others; tallying stories, projects, and investment figures within, and surrounding, the Columbia Lafayette Neighborhood. For example this $65M transportation project https://t.co/YIwWgKPxQL pic.twitter.com/xkQ5fcBUa5
— #NoHospitalDowntown (@NoHospitalDwtn) March 22, 2018
Route 5S/Oriskany Street reconstruction project
$16,600,000 (Started- 2018) Map it!
Project designed by the state Department of Transportation is said to improving safety for all travelers. [Ref.]
Downtown Utica is better without an out-of-scale hospital that bulldozes our historic urban core. #NoHospitalDowntown is "yes hospital", we simply want the new hospital at St. Luke's where they own 64-acres, and not in the Columbia Lafayette Neighborhood. Here's Why We Oppose The Downtown Utica Hospital Concept and Many Agree!
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▪ Citation Services Fridays 4:30-5:30PM
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