If you've driven or walked down South Salina Street recently, you may have noticed significant changes happening at City Center, the former Sibley's Department Store. A $37 million transformation of the space is underway at the corner of S. Salina and W. Jefferson Streets. Commercial space, office space and 24 apartments are planned. So far, crews have removed the concrete pink façade and will soon begin to cut out a portion of the building to create a new courtyard and main entrance on Jefferson Street. Later this year, contractors will renovate the attached parking garage. The building will serve as the new home for Hayner Hoyt Corporation and Alion Science and Technology Corporation. The Redhouse Arts Center will remain as the first-floor tenant. There will also be a fitness center and an outdoor community balcony. Construction is expected to be complete early in 2023.

Are you an artist, or do you know of an artist that would be interested in designing and creating a mural that hundreds of people will see daily? The Syracuse Urban Partnership, which owns and operates the Salt City Market, is requesting proposals for a mural design for the outdoor dining space. The mural will be located on the south wall of the Whitlock Building facing a courtyard. The area for the mural measures 34 feet tall by 110 feet wide, and artists are encouraged to create a variety of different concepts as part of their submission. The existing painted heart - which has been in place for more than 30 years - must be incorporated into the new mural. Proposals must be submitted by Friday, June 3 at 5:00 pm.

The Downtown Syracuse Foundation continues to accept applications for Round 2 of the Syracuse Festivals Fund, which was established to provide grant support for festivals and events that were negatively impacted by the pandemic. Applications may be downloaded at the link provided below. To be considered for Round 2 of funding, applications are due by 11:59 pm Saturday, May 21. Funding is intended for festivals and events that will be held from May 2022 through May 2023. Applications will be reviewed based on a variety of factors, including how the festival or event is likely to attract visitors/tourists, especially to distressed neighborhoods or commercial business corridors that were economically disadvantaged during the pandemic. Applications may be submitted for grant amounts between $3,000 and $20,000. Each event organizer is encouraged to submit an application as soon as possible to be considered for funding support. Eligibility requirements and additional details are provided at the link below.

Are you - or someone you know - looking for a full-time summer job? The Downtown Committee is searching for three (3) individuals to serve as flower basket “waterers” as part of our seasonal staff. The waterers' primary responsibility is watering the hanging flower baskets and other planted areas. They may be asked to help out with additional program activities as schedules allow. Waterers work 35 hours/week in the downtown district and drive tractors with water tanks behind them. Individuals must have a valid drivers license and be able to stand, walk, and lift (a watering wand) for extended time periods. The work begins on/about Wednesday, May 25. Ideally, waterers would be able to work up to around Labor Day in early September. If you know someone who may be interested in this position, please contact Rob Travers, Director of Operations, at rtravers@downtownsyracuse.com.

Task #13: Downtown is “lit!” Take a picture of your favorite lighted building at night. You'll have plenty of opportunities this week! This month, several Downtown buildings will be lit in green to raise awareness about Lyme Disease and tick-borne diseases.