Cities across the country are realizing that attracting artists and fostering a creative community can be a catalyst for economic development in downtowns. This trend is evident in Syracuse with an adaptive re-use project in a former Masonic Temple. The impressive structure, built in 1917 and last used by the Masons in 1985, now offers 32 unique two-bedroom rental apartments that are designed as combined living and working spaces that will especially appeal to artists or entrepreneurs operating a home based business.
The new Masonic Lofts residences are among several key developments opening or planned in Downtown -- including an expansive new Marriott Hotel. The Downtown Committee of Syracuse publishes an informative newsletter covering the various Downtown activities which is available ;on its Web site www.downtownsyracuse.com
The Committee began focusing on artist live/work housing projects in 2004, and engaged consultants to move the concept forward in Syracuse where residential market-rate housing is now reportedly near 99 percent Downtown.
