Mayor Robert M. Palmieri Announces Sale of City-Owned Land to Masonic Medical Research Institute

UTICA—Mayor Robert M. Palmieri and Dr. Maria Kontaridis, Ph.D., Executive Director of the Masonic Medical Research Institute (MMRI), announce the sale of City-owned land in Bagg’s Square for the construction of a new state-of-the-art laboratory.

Located where Division Street meets Whitesboro Street, the vacant land is comprised of eight separate tax parcels; combined, the parcels total nearly 1.7 acres.

MMRI’s goal is to expand its current work in life science research and to accelerate commercial development endeavors and venture capital investment in the Mohawk Valley. The project is contingent upon securing necessary funding by state and federal stakeholders as well as a multi-faceted fundraising campaign.

Over the last 5 years alone, MMRI has recruited world-renowned scientists and their teams to Utica, which has resulted in an exponential growth for the institute. The proposed new facility will accommodate the continued growth of MMRI and allow for an additional 100 new scientific and administrative positions. 

More details about MMRI’s plan for growth and expansion will be announced in the coming months.

Utica Mayor Robert M. Palmieri said: “With the sale of this land, the vision for its future is now being realized.  Years ago, the State invested its funds to remediate the site for the purposes of economic development.  The investment of the magnitude proposed by the Masonic Medical Research Institute furthers the growth of not only Bagg’s Square, but that of downtown Utica and the Greater Utica region as well.”

Dr. Maria Kontaridis said: “MMRI has a long history in the east Utica neighborhood. Our life-changing research in heart disease, diabetes, and autism is significantly expanding, and our plan is for greater synergy with our community institutions, including the Mohawk Valley Health System, Bassett Healthcare, Hamilton College, Utica University, Mohawk Valley Community College, and SUNY Polytechnic Institute Utica.”

About Masonic Medical Research Institute

MMRI is a non-profit dedicated to scientific research that improves the health and quality of life for all humankind. We conduct high quality research aimed at developing a deeper understanding of the causes of cardiovascular, neurocognitive and autoimmune diseases, in the hopes of identifying innovative treatments and cures for these devastating ailments.