It's been almost two years since the ground breaking of the Logeun's Crossing project on Syracuse's east side.
Upstate Medical University is combining forces with COR Development to turn 14 acres of blighted properties off of East Fayette Street into a mix of residential, retail, office and educational space. COR President Steve Aiello says they've finished tearing down the old Kennedy Square apartment complex, and can start working on the basic framework of the new neighborhood.
"We're going to start building roads and infrastructure in the next wave, and then we're going to start construction of Upstate's medical building this fall, is the plan," Aiello said.
Aiello doesn't rule out expanding beyond the 14 acre footprint, noting there are many nearby parcels of land that could be attached to the project.
"I think you can see other sites that could get thrown in the pot," Aiello said. "Either buildings that could be refurbished or torn down, and redeveloped, once you create that synergy. There's vacant parcels now used for parking. If the demand is there, it'll get eaten up."
Already up and running on one corner of the development is the Central New York Biotechnology Research Center, a bioscience incubator, built through a partnership between SUNY ESF and Upstate.
Officials say it could take up to ten years for the rest of the project to be constructed, adding that it could be a prime location for Start-Up New York, which creates tax-free zones around universities.
