Syracuse Preservationist Uncovered Antique Well

Volunteers found historical artifacts while renovating a long-abandoned grocery store in the Hawley-Green neighborhood.

Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Collecting

Screen-print poster illustration showing a circular stone well opening and masonry trowel, representing historic preservation in Syracuse. — Preservationist Glenn Hinchey uncovered an 1850s-era underground well during the renovation of a historic Hawley-Green grocery store in Syracuse. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Do you believe restoring historic, abandoned local buildings improves your neighborhood's overall quality?

Preservationist Glenn Hinchey discovered an 1850s-era underground well while restoring an abandoned grocery store at 401 Hawley Ave. The project, which involves repairing decades of structural decay, yielded several historical items.

Why it matters

The find offers a rare glimpse into the history of a local storefront that anchored the neighborhood for over a century before closing in 1983. The site serves as a physical record of the commercial evolution and eventual economic decline of the area.

The building served as a grocery store for 130 years until it was abandoned for 43 years. Volunteers recovered the artifacts during the replacement of 36 feet of sidewalk in front of the property.

The players

Glenn Hinchey

He is a local preservationist who purchased the historic Hawley Ave. property 11 years ago to lead its restoration.

Vahram Agababian

He served as the proprietor of the grocery store from 1935 until its closure in 1983.

The details

Workers performed an archeological dig to clear the well after volunteers identified the structure while replacing the sidewalk. The building, which Glenn Hinchey purchased 11 years ago, also required the installation of a steel beam to ensure structural integrity following years of abandonment.

The store first opened for business in 1850.
The market was abandoned in 1983.
The building sustained damage during the 1998 Labor Day Storm.
Glenn Hinchey purchased the property in 2015.
Volunteers discovered the underground well in September 2026.

Culture Shift

This restoration reflects a broader trend of urban reclamation where preservationists rescue abandoned historical sites from decay. Such projects emphasize the growing value placed on maintaining neighborhood architectural history against the cycle of urban disinvestment.

The renovation project improves the visual landscape of the Hawley-Green neighborhood by securing and rehabilitating a long-abandoned structure. Residents may see continued construction activity at 401 Hawley Ave. as exterior restoration work proceeds through 2026.

The takeaway

The discovery highlights the hidden history often buried beneath aging city infrastructure. Residents interested in local history can support ongoing preservation efforts to ensure such landmarks remain part of the urban fabric.