$4 Million Restore NY Award

A grant program will help bring new life to the iconic Mayro Building that stands on the corner of Genesee Street and Bank Place.

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UTICA HIGHLIGHTS $4 MILLION RESTORE NY AWARD

UTICA — Utica Mayor Robert M. Palmieri was joined state officials and Lahinch Development group to highlight their $4 million award from Empire State Development that will help continue the resurgence of Downtown Utica.

The $4 million award is part of New York State’s Restore New York grant program and it will help bring new life to the iconic Mayro Building that stands on the corner of Genesee Street and Bank Place. The project was given a Special Project Designation because of the visibility and impact restoring the building will have on downtown and the fabric of Utica.

 Once completed, the Mayro Building will become a mixed-use building that hosts office space, 47 new market-rate apartments and some of the most prominent retail storefronts in the City of Utica. Historically, the Mayro Building’s retail spaces have hosted some of the city’s most iconic eateries and has made Bank Place a cultural destination. Over the years, the building became dilapidated and was sold to Lahinch Group in (2021). The building is now vacant. By adding a residential component, the new plan for the Mayro Building will accelerate the transformation of Downtown Utica into a place to live, work and enjoy.

The project is one that builds on the recent successful transformations in downtown spearheaded by the Lahinch group. Other significant projects include:

  • The certified historic rehabilitation of the Utica Travelers Building into commercial space and 32 residential units. Barton & Loguidice, D.P.C now serves as the anchor tenant.
  • The certified historic rehabilitation of 600 State Street into retail space and 64 residential units.  The building was an empty shell and will now feature the Brooklyn Pickle as an anchor tenant and offers some of the most attractive living space in the city.
  • Lahinch Group founder Joseph Gehm said that the $4 million grant award to the City of Utica makes the project viable immediately and construction will begin in the coming months.

Utica Mayor Robert M. Palmieri said: “The things that are happening downtown and throughout our city are exciting and transformative for the City of Utica. The restoration of the Mayro Building not only adds to all of that excitement, but takes the city’s potential to the next level. Lahinch has been a reliable partner in our growth and all of the progress that is happening wouldn’t be possible without our partners in state government and Empire State Development in particular. Together, we’re building a brighter future.” 

Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado said, “I am proud of the State’s renewed and robust $250 million commitment to the Restore New York program which is providing real solutions to the problem of urban blight and decay throughout New York State. Once completed, the Mayro building will have a renewed purpose that matches the great progress happening all around the City of Utica and the Mohawk Valley Region.”  

Empire State Development President CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “Restore New York allows municipalities to bring about real change in their communities by rehabilitating areas that have been neglected or abandoned, and we are thrilled to award this grant to the City of Utica for the Mayro Building. This funding complements the many state investments that are revitalizing Utica into an attractive and dynamic place to live, work and play,”

State Sen. Joe Griffo said: "I am pleased that Utica will be receiving funding to rehabilitate the historic Mayro Building. The restoration of this iconic building, which will include residential units, office space and retail storefronts, will enhance and strengthen the Utica’s downtown core and help to grow the city and region."

Assemblymember Marianne Buttenschon said: “I look forward to the upcoming progress to bring this beautiful, historic building back to its former glory.  Lahinch has a vision for to restore the Mayro Building to be a mixed-use building with housing, store fronts and local eateries. I thank the executive team for providing The Restore NY funding for this project.   This is another example of the great things happening in the Mohawk Valley.”

Lahinch Founder Joseph Gehm said: “Our development team is honored to be selected as a Special Project Designation through the Restore New York program.  The Mayro Building presents many challenges both physically and financially.  The Restore Grant allows our team to push forward with this shovel ready project and bring new life to an iconic Utica building.  We’d like to thank Mayor Palmieri for his continued support as we help play a role in the resurgence of Utica; additionally, Governor Hochul, Commissioner Knight, ESD and all local & state representatives who understand the importance of programs such as Restore New York and promoting urban revitalization across the State.”

First Ward Councilmember Katie Aiello said: “The Mayro building is a beautiful historic anchor and its redevelopment is an amazing opportunity for downtown Utica and our community. It will create more housing, more office space, and new possibilities for small businesses and entrepreneurs. Thank you to Governor Hochul, Lt. Governor Delgado, and Empire State Development for supporting our city.”