First look at new plan to transform Inner Harbor

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Plans are underway to transform the Inner Harbor into a mecca of restaurants and retail. COR Development announced Thursday that they are pursuing a market place concept at what would be called the Inner Harbor's Iron Pier complex on Van Rensselaer Street. It would be a mix of restaurant and retail tenants.

The development would be another step in giving the area a much talked about makeover. Developers say their vision to enhance the area would make the Inner Harbor a premier urban waterfront development. “The need for smaller more affordable retail has allowed the market place concept to take off in cities across the country, and we are excited to bring this tremendous opportunity for local business owners to the Inner Harbor,” Vince Claps, Vice President of Leasing for COR Development., told CNYCentral in a news release. “We’ve always envisioned the Inner Harbor as a community meeting place, and adding this amenity will help realize that vision in a way that meets the demands of today’s consumers.”

Photo renderings provided by COR executives reveal the concept would include fresh, local food vendors, artisan specialty foods and more. The space could also houses work by local artists and 'pop-up' acoustical music. The company is hoping local and regional grassroots businesses will occupy the space.

In a statement to CNYCentral, Nora Spillane, deputy commissioner of neighborhood and business development said, “We’re excited about the ongoing investment at the Inner Harbor. The City continues to issue permits and approvals as necessary for this project to move forward."