Foundations

The CDF supported the Creative Communities Initiative, supported by an $800,000 grant from the Ford Foundation to promote sustainable and equitable regional economic and community development. This initiative led to the creation of the Greater Syracuse Land Bank and various regional land use strategies to promote inclusive regional economic growth.

One of its first projects, CDF purchased the Clinton Square Post Office from the U.S. Postal Service in 1984. This vacant, historic structure was ultimately transferred to Pyramid Companies, which located its beautiful Syracuse headquarters there.

CDF helped redevelop the former Air Force base at Hancock Field into a light manufacturing and office park. Following the announcement that the base would close, CDF took the lead in securing state and federal grants to develop an overall site master plan and support subsequent infrastructure development.

CDF played a key role in assembling the necessary land and funding for construction of the Galleries of Syracuse. This project stabilized and improved a blighted area made up of vacant or underutilized commercial buildings in Syracuse's central business district. The Galleries has become home to major office tenants, the county's main library, as well as restaurants and retail establishments serving the downtown workforce.

CDF was involved in the redevelopment of the Jefferson Street Armory, now home to the Museum of Science and Technology (The MOST) and Bristol Omnimax Theater. CDF secured state funding for the initial feasibility study that examined potential reuses of the Armory, accepted title to the structure from the State of New York for eventual transfer to the museum and assisted in obtaining major state grants to support the project.

CDF served as a vital partner in efforts to rehabilitate the former Jefferson-Clinton Hotel, a historic landmark that now boasts sixty-eight luxury suites. CDF received a state grant for building stabilization, and also took temporary title to the property from the City of Syracuse for eventual transfer to the developer.

CDF played a leading role in efforts to transform the 300 block of South Salina Street in downtown Syracuse into 87 units of market rate housing and 25,000 square feet of retail space. MDF Property Holdings acquired the properties (consisting of four vacant buildings), packaged them, and negotiated their redevelopment as one project. In 2009, VIP Development was selected as project developer.

CDF played a critical role in facilitating development of the Electronics Park master plan, helping retain Lockheed Martin as a major regional employer, and serving as manager and developer of the park by securing two state grants totaling $2 million.

CDF served as the contracting entity for an $8.4 million state grant that was used to renovate the market into a highly trafficked commerce and entertainment asset.