Wisevoter
Syracuse

Syracuse Sears Site Redevelopment Plans Announced

VIP Development Associates will convert the former Sears store into a workforce training center by 2028.

Updated on Oct. 8, 2026 in Remote Work

Bold vector editorial illustration featuring stylized brick and steel architectural forms, representing industrial workforce development in Syracuse.
VIP Development Associates has been tapped to transform the former Sears building in Syracuse into a new semiconductor-focused workforce training hub by 2028. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you believe redeveloping vacant historic buildings is an effective way to revitalize your community?

CenterState CEO has selected VIP Development Associates to transform the former 1300 S. Salina St. Sears building into a workforce training hub. This site will anchor the New York State ON-RAMP initiative for semiconductor training.

Why it matters

The project represents a significant effort to revitalize a historic Syracuse landmark while expanding specialized vocational training. It serves as a central pillar in the state's broader investment into high-tech workforce development.

The development targets a 97-year-old former Sears building that originally opened in 1929 and closed in 1974. State funding for this specific hub totals $8.5 million.

The players

VIP Development Associates

This is a Syracuse-based firm tasked with overseeing the planning and transformation of the historic Sears site.

Kathy Hochul

She is the Governor of New York who announced the ON-RAMP program and the associated state funding for the training hub.

CenterState CEO

This organization serves as the regional economic development entity responsible for selecting the developer for the project.

The details

VIP Development Associates was chosen to lead the renovation due to their track record with prominent local properties and will collaborate with a community advisory committee. The new facility will eventually replace the training programs currently operating at 1224 W. Genesee St.

Timeline

  1. The former Sears building first opened on October 3, 1929.

  2. Retail operations at the store ceased in 1974.

  3. Governor Kathy Hochul announced the $200 million ON-RAMP program in October 2024.

  4. State funding of $8.5 million for the hub was announced in May 2025.

  5. The new workforce training center is expected to open by the end of 2028.

Market Landscape

This development reflects a growing trend of repurposing vacant, historic retail infrastructure to meet modern industrial workforce needs. It positions Syracuse as a key player in the regional competition for high-tech manufacturing talent.

Local residents will see the transformation of a long-vacant site into an active workforce training facility, potentially creating new career paths in the semiconductor industry. This project aims to bring new foot traffic and economic activity to the South Salina Street area.

The takeaway

Repurposing aging commercial properties requires extensive coordination between private developers and community advisory boards to ensure local needs are met. This project highlights how long-vacant historic structures can be converted into catalysts for regional economic growth.

Further reading

Learn more about local economic initiatives on the Remote Work section.

Source note: This article includes information reported by Syracuse.

Live Poll

Do you believe redeveloping vacant historic buildings is an effective way to revitalize your community?