It’s been a long time since anyone has danced in the Grand Ballroom or the Persian Terrace at Hotel Syracuse. A series of various ownership changes and financial problems have long plagued the hotel. Earlier this month though, the Syracuse Industrial Development Agency took the first steps to prepare to use eminent domain to get the hotel foreclosed and sold to a willing buyer. A businessman from Camillus wants to rehabilitate the hotel. If the Hotel Syracuse does re-open, Onondaga County could benefit by booking more conventions at the OnCenter. Syracuse Convention and Visitors Bureau President David Holder says the hotel is the right answer for the community.
Project Developer Edward Riley of Camillus is optimistic that the pieces are falling into place. He’s working with the Syracuse Industrial Development Agency to take the property through eminent domain. This process helps clear the title of the previous owner so the hotel can be properly financed and transferred.
Riley says if he receives financing in the fall, the hotel should be ready to open 12 to 15 months later. He’s spent decades restoring and renovating old hotels across the country, and Riley says reviving the Hotel Syracuse would be a great way to wrap up his career.