Once again the hub of Syracuse social and cultural scene, restored 1924 landmark fuels city’s resurgence with jobs, tourism revenue and community grants.
SYRACUSE, N.Y. – Marriott Syracuse Downtown made its triumphant debut on Aug. 19, 2016 after a painstaking, two-year restoration of its landmark 1924 building, formerly home to Hotel Syracuse. As it marks its first anniversary, the hotel looks back on a year of accomplishment, having quickly established itself as a pillar of the community and reclaiming its place as the city’s social and cultural hub.
Since its doors opened last year, Marriott Syracuse Downtown has achieved the following:
- Boosted the local economy with 260 new jobs, including 156 from the city of Syracuse.
- Accommodated 75,000 visitors to Syracuse, driving needed revenue into the city’s tourism promotion efforts.
- Cultivated a booming wedding business, hosting more than 120 weddings (with some families marking the third generation of couples to be married there). Catering staff has popped the cork on more than 7,200 celebratory bottles of champagne.
- Attracted more than 1,400 business meetings to its 41,000 square feet of state-of-the-art meeting and event facilities.
- Provided vital community support via a $2,000 grant each month to a local nonprofit selected by the hotel’s employees. Among the recipients to date: LiteracyCNY and regional chapters of InterFaith Works, the American Red Cross, and Catholic Charities.
- Introduced two great restaurants to downtown: Eleven Waters and Shaughnessy’s.
Marriott Syracuse Downtown also has revived the time-honored holiday traditions of its predecessor. It welcomed more than 1,000 revelers on New Year’s Eve 2016, followed by 1,500 guests this year for St. Patrick’s Day festivities, 700 for Easter Brunch, and 1,000 for Mother’s Day.
“As a fifth-generation Syracusan, I know firsthand the historical impact this hotel has had on the city and its residents. To see it once again a vital player in the local economy and social fabric of Syracuse fulfills a long-held dream,” said owner Edward R. Riley, adding an architect and real estate developer who acquired the hotel in 2014. Riley applied his expertise in historic hotel preservation to the monumental task of restoring its public spaces while transforming the original 600 accommodations into 261 larger guest rooms and suites that meet the needs of 21st century travelers.
“Syracuse is in the midst of an exciting rejuvenation,” Riley continued, “and we’ve committed the resources of this hotel to drive its continued growth.”
Added General Manager Paul McNeil, “Bringing Marriott Syracuse Downtown to life has been a labor of love for everyone involved from the first days of pre-opening to where we are today. I’m incredibly proud of the team we’ve assembled. They represent Syracuse’s finest and they continue to prove their commitment to our hotel, our guests, and the community every day.”
A week of celebrations planned
Throughout the week leading up to its anniversary date, Marriott Syracuse Downtown will celebrate with menu specials (11 for $11) at its signature restaurant, Eleven Waters, and Happy Hour specials at O’Shaughnessy’s, its sporty Irish pub. In addition, city dignitaries and hotel leadership will gather on Aug. 18 at noon in the hotel lobby for a proclamation by Mayor Stephanie Miner. A first anniversary cake will be presented and served along with champagne and light refreshments
A grand hotel returned to glory
The Onondaga Historical Association has led approximately 85 tours of Marriott Syracuse Downtown to date, introducing an estimated 1,300 visitors to the rich history of this hotel. Among the beautifully restored spaces is the second-floor lobby, presided over by a magnificent 1948 mural that was unearthed during the restoration process. The 40×6-foot artwork depicts historic milestones from Syracuse’s first 100 years. Others have been returned to the splendor that once made them the center of Syracuse social life: the Grand Ballroom, with its hand-painted arched ceiling, crystal chandeliers and soaring, two-story windows; and the Persian Terrace, once a supper club for acts like Cab Calloway, Glenn Miller and Benny Goodman. These swing-era musicians are just a few of the many famous names who have graced the hotel over the years, ranging from Charles Lindbergh to Presidents Dwight Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy and Jimmy Carter to John Lennon.
Angelos is the news editor for TravelDailyNews Media Network (traveldailynews.gr, traveldailynews.com and traveldailynews.asia). His role includes to monitor the hundrends of news sources of TravelDailyNews Media Network and skim the most important according to our strategy.
He currently studies Communication, Media & Culture in Panteion University of Political & Social Studies of Athens.
