Syracuse Inner Harbor District

City of Syracuse
Syracuse, New York

In the early 2000’s, EDR was instrumental in laying the groundwork for the revitalization of this state-owned Barge Canal terminal in an underutilized industrial district into a welcoming and active urban destination.  The site, which sits between Franklin Square and the Onondaga lakefront and is connected to the Erie Canal system, has been restored and upgraded to host an array of events – concerts, festivals, fireworks, to name a few.  The public space infrastructure improvements included a waterfront promenade, an amphitheater, docks for transient recreational boaters, a harbor headquarters building, open greenspace and parking areas.  Many of the design elements and custom designed details drew upon the historic and cultural resources of the area including the past salt industry and canal era. In addition, a portion of the Syracuse Creekwalk that runs along Onondaga Creek through the City was built to add to the existing trail system. The Inner Harbor hosts multiple public events that attract many local residents and out-of-town visitors.  As the evolution of the site continues with new development proposals and increased use, EDR is proud to have played a role in reclaiming a valuable piece of our area’s natural and cultural heritage.