Local developers want to turn two of downtown Syracuse’s oldest…and most blighted buildings into apartments and a restaurant. But developer Ryan Benz and his partners are having a hard time securing key federal historic tax credits.
“These buildings along with the block at-large were added to the national registry of historic places in 2009, opening up specific historic tax credits that allow redevelopment possible at all. They have largely contributed to the revitalization of downtown over the last decade.”
Benz’s $4.2 million Whitney Lofts project at 321 South Salina street includes 16 apartments with full amenities. Senator Chuck Schumer says there appears to be some confusion on the part of the National Park Service over Benz’s plan to restore the building’s exterior…
“The original facade was called Italianate style. Large windows and beautiful brick frontage. As downtown's commercial district began to decline, so did much of the historic character of South Salina. The building saw it's original Italianate style patched over with concrete, which is how it remains today.”
Schumer says it’s clear the concrete wouldn’t qualify for the credit.
"It's the original facade that maintains this building's beauty and historical significance. I am asking the NPS to swiftly approve plans to restore the original facade with windows, and then give them the tax credits that will make this project a big success.”
Schumer and Benz say the credits are essential to include additional addresses along South Salina street in downtown’s residential building boom.
