On October 6, 2026, Empire State Development (NYS ESD) announced that CenterState CEO selected VIP Development Associates, Inc. as Master Developer for the redevelopment of the historic Sears Building at 1300 South Salina Street in Syracuse, future home of New York State’s flagship ON-RAMP CNY Workforce Training Center.
“We’re proud to partner with CenterState CEO and ON-RAMP on bringing new life to one of Syracuse’s great historic buildings. The vision will bring new activity and opportunity to this part of Syracuse, and we’re excited to help build a place that can serve Central New York for years to come.”
As Master Developer, VIP is overseeing planning for the redevelopment, with ON-RAMP CNY as anchor tenant. ON-RAMP CNY is part of New York State’s $200 million One Network for Regional Advanced Manufacturing Partnerships initiative, created to establish four workforce development centers across Upstate New York. The Syracuse location will serve as the flagship center, connecting New Yorkers with training for careers in advanced manufacturing industries.
Building on VIP’s Adaptive Reuse Experience
In announcing the selection, CenterState CEO’s Rob Simpson noted that VIP was chosen because of its experience redeveloping prominent Syracuse buildings, including Pike Block, One Webster’s Landing, and the former Post-Standard building in Clinton Square.
The Pike Block, One Webster’s Landing, and the Post redevelopment projects represent three different adaptive reuse challenges and show how existing buildings can be repositioned for new uses while working with the character, infrastructure, and constraints already in place.
“VIP is a great community partner.”
A Longstanding Syracuse Landmark
When Sears, Roebuck and Co. opened its store at 1300 South Salina Street on October 3, 1929, approximately 900 people reportedly lined up to enter. The building became a familiar part of Syracuse’s Southside, serving generations of shoppers before the store eventually closed.
Today, nearly a century after its opening, the building is entering a new chapter as planning moves forward for its redevelopment and the future ON-RAMP CNY Workforce Training Center.
A historic view of the Lightmaster Electric Fixtures section of the Sears, Roebuck and Co. store in Syracuse, NY, October 1941.
Photo: John Collier Jr., October 1941. Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division, Farm Security Administration/Office of War Information Collection
Shoppers browse winter clothing at a Sears, Roebuck and Co. store in Syracuse, NY, in 1941.
Photo: John Collier Jr., September 1941. Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division, Farm Security Administration/Office of War Information Collection
Inside the lighting section Sears, Roebuck and Co. department store in Syracuse, NY, October 1941.
Photo: John Collier Jr., October 1941. Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division, Farm Security Administration/Office of War Information Collection
A view of the Harness Accessories section. Sears, Roebuck and Co. store in Syracuse, NY, October 1941.
Photo: John Collier Jr., October 1941. Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division, Farm Security Administration/Office of War Information Collection
Key Project Details
Who is the master developer for the Sears Building redevelopment in Syracuse?
CenterState CEO selected VIP Development Associates, Inc. as Master Developer for the redevelopment of the Historic Sears Building at 1300 South Salina Street. VIP is overseeing planning for the redevelopment.
What programs will be located in the Sears building?
New York State’s flagship ON-RAMP Workforce Training Center will be the anchor tenant at the historic Sears Building at 1300 South Salina Street in Syracuse, NY. To learn more about the ON-RAMP program, visit the NYS ESD ON-RAMP website or its October 2024 Information Session Webinar.
What is ON-RAMP CNY?
ON-RAMP CNY is the Syracuse flagship of New York State’s One Network for Regional Advanced Manufacturing Partnerships initiative. The statewide program is funded through a $200 million investment to create four workforce development centers across Upstate New York and connect people with training for careers in advanced manufacturing.
More about the Sears Building Redevelopment
For additional information about the Historic Sears Building Master Developer announcement and ON-RAMP CNY please use the links below:
- Empire State Development Announces Selection of Master Developer for Central New York’s Flagship ON-RAMP Center
- CenterState CEO Selects VIP Development Associates for Redevelopment of 1300 South Salina St.
- Syracuse.com: Syracuse developer tapped to revive 97-year-old former Sears store in job training center
What's Next for Your Building?
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