As summer approaches, we are eager to get started on our new home, the Central New York Philanthropy Center, set to open in the fall of 2010. In March, we completed the purchase of the historic University Club building, located at 431 East Fayette Street. The new Philanthropy Center will not only provide us with a permanent home, but also ample space for unprecedented collaboration.
A Place to ConveneLast fall, our Board of Directors decided that our headquarters and our mission should be complementary; that our new space should provide the opportunity for us to more fully advance our mission and strategic goals. With plans for a conference center, nonprofit tenancy and incubation space, our new building will play a significant role in our civic leadership. Multiple spaces, such as a large, flexible event room and access to an outdoor veranda, will help us bring people and groups together to review and address community issues. In addition, the portion of the building we do not use will be made available to other philanthropic organizations that would like to rent the space, hopefully inspiring collaborative progress toward our common goals.
A Rich History in Downtown
The three-story, 18,000 square foot Greek Revival building was built in 1917 by The University Club of Syracuse to serve as the private society’s clubhouse. In its prime, the University Club often held three or four special events a week there, hosting prominent speakers, networking get-togethers and social dances.
In 1986, the club reluctantly moved out of the building for a smaller location in Clinton Square. It was purchased by Skaneateles Savings Bank and renovated to fit its new commercial purpose. After changing hands several times as a result of bank consolidations, the building was put up for sale by M&T Bank last year.
Overlooking historic Fayette Park and situated on the Connective Corridor between Syracuse University and downtown Syracuse, the Philanthropy Center will be a part of downtown’s renaissance. With a purchase price of $1 million, we see the creation of the Philanthropy Center as a vital investment in downtown.
"The Community Foundation’s purchase and move into this building is a welcome addition to the Downtown East district," said Merike Treier, Deputy Director of the Downtown Committee of Syracuse. "Investments such as this show a permanent commitment to the future of our downtown and are what help to re-establish the urban core as the hub of commercial, social and cultural activity in the region."
Affirming our Permanency
We believe that the purchase of a permanent home will be a useful tool in heightening our visibility while also showing our long-term commitment to the community. The building speaks to our role as a civic leader and positive force for change in the region. We hope that our increased presence not only enhances our own visibility but that of philanthropy in general – and motivates people to consider how they might join us in improving our community.
It is because of the financial support of generations of Central New Yorkers that we will be able to finance the acquisition and renovation of this building ourselves – without affecting the amount of grants that we make. Even in the midst of a substantial economic crisis, we project that our Community Grants and Initiatives budget will remain the same this fiscal year.
Renovation & Preservation
Construction will soon be underway. Where practical, we intend to honor architectural elements and functionality that remain in the building. We also plan to incorporate sustainable design features in our renovation plans.
Exterior projects will include roof replacement, new windows and brickwork. A reception area and our offices will be constructed on the first floor. The second floor will be split between tenant and convening space. The entire third floor will be available for tenants.
Once construction gets underway this summer, you will be able to follow the progress toward complete renovation at our construction blog.
Visit www.cnyphilanthropycenter.org for more info.