In this newsletter, you'll find:

Downtown Business Directory
Downtown News
Property of the Week
Downtown Events
Deal Alerts
Social Media Spotlight

Please note, if the newsletter cuts out in your inbox, there is a button on the lower-left corner, with a prompt to "Click for more information." This takes you to the complete version of the newsletter. Visit Linktr.ee/DowntownSyracuse to view our social media links and our website.
WHAT'S OPEN IN DOWNTOWN SYRACUSE?
Click here for a collection of dining and takeout options, retail opportunities, and other ways to support and engage with Downtown businesses.
DOWNTOWN NEWS
SpinCar acquires AI firm

Syracuse-based SpinCar recently acquired an artificial intelligence company that created a platform that responds to customer questions in a conversational style and sets up appointments for customers to speak with car dealership representatives. SpinCar will incorporate Pulsar AI's software into its own, and take on the firm's 30 employees. This acquisition brings SpinCar's workforce to 120 employees, with 75 located in its headquarters in Icon Tower (map). SpinCar's software allows dealers to post 360-degree interior and exterior views of the vehicles they have for sale. It's used in more than 40 countries.

Best Sandwich Ever Contest:
Entries Due May 28
 
Do you have an idea for a sandwich to star as a feature on Darwin on Clinton's menu? Darwin wants to hear your ideas for its 7th annual Best Sandwich Ever Contest. Candidates should meet the following criteria: Sandwiches must be easy to assemble, hold up well and travel well in a to-go order. Send your suggestions via email to darwinonclinton@yahoo.com, or via Facebook. Entries are due by Friday, May 28.
 
Storefront Tips Guide Garners International Recognition

The Downtown Committee of Syracuse's Storefront Tips guide has been recognized by the International Downtown Association (IDA). The brochure has been selected for an Award of Excellence within the 2021 Achievement Awards Application - Economic Development category. The IDA is the premier organization for urban place professionals who are shaping and activating dynamic city centers around the world. Storefront Tips, introduced last spring, provides ideas for property owners to create a memorable, welcoming experience for customers. It can be downloaded at the Downtown Committee's website.
PROPERTY OF THE WEEK
South Salina Street Revival, Happening Now!

Development is already underway and slated for 2022 completion at the new Acropolis Center, located at 333-359 S. Salina Street (map). This mixed-use development is transitioning to Class A office space, complete with a new façade, open floor plans, and state-of-the-art office space. A sky-bridge connects Acropolis Center offices with garage parking at the adjacent Barclay Damon Tower. A 5,500 square foot suite is currently available for lease on the fourth floor, ideal for any company looking to offer their employees the best amenities in Syracuse. Acropolis Center is walkable to all downtown amenities including restaurants, banks, the post office, Central Library, courthouse, and other government buildings. Located across from the Landmark Theatre and just one block from both the Redhouse Arts Center and The Museum of Science and Technology, the property also features three built-out retail spaces available for immediate lease.
Commercial Contact: Jane Chase
(315) 382-4679

Retail:
  • Space 1: 1st Floor, 4,900 SF
  • Space 2: 1st Floor, 1,600 SF
  • Space 3: 1st Floor, 2,475 SF
Rent: $14/SF/Year

Office:
  • 4th Floor, 5,500 SF
Rent: $12/SF/Year 
EVENTS & ACTIVITIES
Taking Your Food Business to the Next Level (Virtual)
via Onondaga Small Business Development Center
Monday, May 17, 10:00 am -12:00 pm

Have you ever been told that you should make a business out of your cooking? Or, maybe you have been waiting for the perfect moment to expand your food business. The Small Business Development Center is hosting a two-part training showing attendees how to navigate the process to successfully start a food industry business! Topics will cover how to create a business plan, develop your food concept, COVID-19 policies, and procedures, and so much more!

Cost: $29
Wine and Whiskey Wednesday
Epicuse Tasting Room & Cheese Bar (map)
Wednesday, May 19, 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm

It's time to treat yourself and celebrate making it to the halfway mark of the week! Wine and Whiskey Wednesday at Epicuse offers opportunities to celebrate with an adult beverage and a cheeseboard.

Friday Vibes
Epicuse Tasting Room & Cheese Bar (map)
Friday, May 19, 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Start the weekend with live music, a bite to eat, and a beverage at Friday Vibes.

Cost: Varies
Tomorrow's Neighborhoods Today next Meeting (Virtual)
via Zoom
Wednesday, May 19, 5:30 pm

Tomorrow's Neighborhoods Today (TNT) Downtown and Lakefront sector is hosting a public zoom meeting to discuss what is happening in the neighborhoods. Items on the agenda include updates from city departments and elected officials, in addition to updates regarding the TNT city-wide board. Any neighbors who live, work, or own property in Downtown Syracuse are automatically a member of the Downtown TNT and are welcome to speak and vote at all meetings. The next virtual meeting will be Wednesday, September 15, 2021.

Cost: Free
Yoga @ The Market
The Salt City Market Community Room (map)
Wednesday, May 19, 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Spend an hour dedicated to you for some self-care, healing, and restoration with Dr. Marcelle Haddix, founder of ZenG Yoga. Bring your own yoga mat to participate. Sanitized blankets and blocks will be provided.

Cost: $10

Show and Tell
The Salt City Market Teaching Kitchen (map)
Wednesday, May 19, 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

If yoga isn't your thing, perhaps you feel zen in the kitchen. While yoga takes place in the Community Room, Anirban Acharya will share his thoughts on the evolution of "Spice in the Pandemic Era."

Cost: Free
Sidewalk Sessions: J Schnitt & Poetic Remedies
Wildflowers Armory (map)
Thursday, May 20, 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm

This Thursday, Sidewalk Sessions at Wildflowers Armory features a pop-up art experience showcasing art by Poetic Remedies, accompanied by live music by J Schnitt on the sidewalk patio. Tables will be set up on the sidewalk patio for first-come-first-served use. Bring a meal from your favorite Downtown restaurant to enjoy while watching the live performance, then, check out additional art and gift items inside. Sidewalk Sessions continues every Thursday.

Cost: Free to watch
Open Figure Drawing Outdoors
Everson Museum of Art (map)
Thursday, May 20, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

The Everson Museum of Art is hosting a free figure drawing outside on its plaza. Bring your favorite drawing materials to study a clothed model and iconic architecture. While the event is free, pre-registration is required. A limited supply of easels, drawing boards, and stools are available for use on a first-come, first-served basis. If you can't make it this week, another session is scheduled for June 17.

Cost: Free
In the event of inclement weather, registered attendees will be notified by Thursday at 4:00 pm.
FOCUS Forum: Workforce Development for the Individual (Virtual)
via FOCUS Greater Syracuse
Friday, May 21, 12:05 pm

FOCUS Greater Syracuse and Syracuse Community Center Collaborative will partner to host a webinar to discuss workforce development and how equitable employment strengthens economic security and well-being for low-income families, and lead to economic growth. The forum is designed to support unemployed and underemployed community members.

Cost: Free
The Downtown Writers Center - Author Readings: Novelist James Anderson (Virtual)
via the YMCA of Central New York
Friday, May 21, 7:00 pm

Award-winning author James Anderson is the next featured author in the Downtown Writers Center series. Anderson's pieces have been translated into German, Italian, French, Spanish and Japanese. Anderson is known for writing The Never-Open Desert Diner and most recently, Lullaby Road. Praised by reviewers in The New York Times Book Review, Washington Post Book World, and the Associated Press for his work. The Zoom lobby for Friday's discussion opens at 6:50 pm.

Cost: Free
Last Chance For The OHA Ghostwalk: Downtown Syracuse
Throughout Downtown Syracuse, Begins at OHA at 321 Montgomery Street (map)
Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, May 21, 22, 23

Meet some of the most important figures to have walked the streets of Downtown Syracuse! The popular Ghostwalk Series, presented by the Onondaga Historical Association (OHA), returns this weekend and time slots are still available. The "ghosts" share details of their lives, providing personal insight into the worlds they lived in. The tour takes approximately 1.5 hours and attendees can expect to walk about one mile.

Cost: $15
Innovation Station: Live Lacrosse Stick Making
via The Museum of Science and Technology (map)
Saturday, May 22, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Alfie Jacques of the Onondaga Turtle Clan will showcase the art of making a handmade Lacrosse (dehoñtjihgwa’és) stick. Jacques utilizes an extensive drying process, in contrast to modern-day lacrosse sticks are made (using composite materials such as aluminum or carbon fiber). The modern-day game of Lacrosse blends contemporary sports innovations with the traditions and core values of the Haudenosaunee, or People of the Longhouse, who created the game. The demonstration is a continuation of the Innovation Station exhibit by the American Indian Law Alliance.

Cost: Free
Shop Small Sunday
at the Salt City Market (map)
Sunday, May 23, 11:00 am - 5:00 pm

This Sunday, Wildflowers Armory, Salt City Market, Antique Underground, and Black Artist Collective will host more than 40 crafters, creatives, and antique vendors for Shop Small Sunday. Pop-up tents will set up in the parking lot at the Salt City Market's Clinton Street entrance.

Cost: Varies
Trivia Nights in Downtown Syracuse
 
Al's Wine and Whiskey (map)
Mondays at 8:00 pm
Come early and grab a drink and a seat.
 
Maxwells (map)
Thursdays at 7:00 pm
Come early and enjoy Happy Hour specials starting at 4:00 pm.
 
Shaughnessy's Irish Pub (map)
Thursdays at 7:00 pm
Deal Alert: Half Priced Drafts!
 
The Hops Spot (map)
Thursdays at 7:30 pm
Deal Alert: Enjoy a Burger & Brew for $10!
SAVE THE DATE
Best of CNY Breast Cancer Chili Challenge
Saturday, June 5, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

Next month, The PressRoom Pub will host a chili cookoff to raise awareness for breast cancer research. The event will feature firetrucks, a tractor ride, and live music. A $5 patron fee will be donated to Upstate Breast Cancer Research. Chili will be judged at 12:00 pm.

Stay tuned for more information!

Cost: $5
Over The Edge for Kids
One Park Place (map)
Saturday, August 21

Are you looking for a thrilling opportunity that fulfills your sense of adventure and helps your community? Over The Edge, a fundraiser for the McMahon Ryan Child Advocacy Center, may be the event for you. Face your fears by rappelling down One Park Place to help the McMahon Ryan Advocacy Center raise awareness and fundraise to help end child abuse. Registration is now open. Afraid of heights? No problem! You can still be part of the day by donating, sponsoring the event, volunteering, or showing up to watch and cheer the rappellers on.

Cost: $50 Registration fee with a fundraising goal of $1000
DEAL ALERT
Metro Fitness Downtown is offering a limited-time personal training sale! Those interested can visit the club during normal business hours, check out the website, or call 315-426-8917.
The YMCA is offering a Jump Start Weight Loss program for members and non-members. The program will help you to improve your cardiovascular health, increase energy levels, and reduce stress. For more information, email Stephanie at smichaels@ymcacny.org

Non-Members: $95 Monthly
Members: $65 Monthly
The Onondaga Historical Association is offering 25% off jewelry through the month of May! Use code JEWEL25 at checkout online or in person.
The Everson Museum of Art continues to offer free admission to military personnel and their families. The promotion continues through Labor Day Weekend. In addition, those who show proof of vaccination can enjoy free admission to the museum through the end of the month.
SOCIAL MEDIA SPOTLIGHT
The Blue Tusk boasts a couple of the best subs in Central New York, according to Syracuse.com. The Chicken Tusk (pictured above) and the Bonzai Beef Sandwich ranked high with reviewers.
Congrats to Ale 'n' Angus Pub for winning the "Best NY Burger" contest for the third time in four years. The Hot n' Smokey Candied Bacon Burger, which features an 8-ounce Angus beef burger, jack cheese, bacon, a house-made onion spread, chipotle mayonnaise and honey, earned the top honor by the New York Beef Council.
Calling All Aspiring Influencers & Ambassadors:

The Downtown Committee is looking for five ambassadors to help us promote the delicious flavors of Downtown Syracuse during Downtown Dining Weeks from June 1 through June 13. The ideal candidates will be social media savvy, love to eat, and be available to dine at a participating Dining Weeks restaurant within the first five days of the promotion. Are you interested? Send a note to mail@DowntownSyracuse.com with the following details by noon on Wednesday, May 19.

  • Your favorite social media platform, handle, and how many followers you have
  • Your favorite meal in Downtown Syracuse – and why
  • What Downtown restaurant you’re most excited to try

A committee will review your submission, and selected ambassadors will be notified by the end of the day on Friday, May 21. Ambassadors will receive a $50 gift card to dine at a participating restaurant, courtesy of the Downtown Committee.
If you have a photo you'd like to share with us, please email it to mail@downtownsyracuse.com, tag us on Facebook (@DowntownSyracuse),
or Instagram (@downtownsyracuse).