An ice cream icon in Syracuse has become the latest business to join in the revitalization of downtown Syracuse. Gannon's Isle has opened up a permanent store in the Dey's building, on the corner of South Salina and Jefferson Streets.
Eileen Gannon says the ice cream shop, which has been a seasonal fixture on Syracuse's south side for 20 years, has taken the leap into a fixed location after experiments with pushcarts selling the frozen treats last year were successful.
"We've always kind of wanted to be downtown, especially with the revitalization and things going on," Gannon said. "We like the opportunity of having a year-round store also, and I think this is a great venue, a great building."
Longtime downtown developer Bob Doucette says it's businesses like this that will draw more people to the center of the city.
"We're not looking for some big silver bullet. We're looking to continue one building block after another, one project after another. And I think that's the way it should be built."
Doucette believes people choosing to live downtown is the big factor driving this renaissance.
"The people are choosing to live here. It's a lifestyle choice, and that portends well for the future of downtown. When you begin populating it with residents, both renters and owners, it changes the atmosphere of a place," he said.
Gannon's is the 14th business to open downtown in the last year. It's also the latest business to put down roots on the 100 block of East Jefferson Street.
