For Immediate Release: March 9, 2023
Mayor Palmieri and Mohawk Valley Garden Announce Plans
for New Mixed-Use Development in Bagg’s Square
UTICA—Utica Mayor Robert M. Palmieri announced today that the Utica Urban Renewal Agency accepted an offer from the Mohawk Valley Garden Corporation to purchase several properties on Liberty Street to develop a multi-story, mixed-use complex in the city’s Bagg’s Square district.
The new residential and retail development will be adjacent to the newly constructed Utica University Nexus Center and will include an over-road bridge connecting the new building directly to the sports facility. The development is projected to cost approximately $25 million. It will feature apartments for both permanent and temporary residents as well as retail space on the lower floors.
The parcels, equaling roughly 90,000 sq. ft., were approved for sale to Mohawk Valley Garden Corporation on Thursday through the Utica Urban Renewal Board by unanimous vote. The project is the latest addition to Bagg’s Square, which has become the city’s major destination for sports and entertainment activities.
The arrival of the Utica Comets, the Utica City Football Club, renovations to the Adirondack Bank Center, the redesign of Oriskany Boulevard, the construction of the Utica University Nexus Center, and a new adjoining parking lot have all combined to build excitement and momentum in the district. Advocates said the new facility is the next step to continuing that momentum and making the City of Utica even more of a sports and entertainment destination.
Utica Mayor Robert M. Palmieri said: This project proves that the incredible growth and opportunities we have seen are just the beginning of an exciting future for the City of Utica. We’re fortunate to have partners with the vision and capabilities to continue to invest and drive new opportunities. Mohawk Valley Garden has been an essential component of the city’s rejuvenation and will be one of the anchors for years to come.
Mohawk Valley Garden CEO Robert Esche said: We are excited to continue the vertical integration of the Adirondack Bank Center, Utica University Nexus Center, and the sports & entertainment district as a whole within Bagg’s Square. This is another pivotal step forward towards the revitalization and regeneration of downtown Utica.
