VIP Development Associates, Inc. Will Lead Planning for the Redevelopment of Long-Vacant Syracuse Property for State’s First ON-RAMP Center

Milestone Advances Governor Hochul’s Vision for a Network of Workforce Centers Connecting New Yorkers to Careers in Advanced Manufacturing

Empire State Development (ESD) today announced that CenterState CEO has selected VIP Development Associates, Inc. as master developer for the redevelopment of 1300 South Salina Street in Syracuse, a derelict former Sears Roebuck store and the future home of New York State’s flagship One Network for Regional Advanced Manufacturing Partnerships (ON-RAMP) workforce training center.

VIP will oversee planning for the comprehensive redevelopment of the site, with the ON-RAMP training facility serving as an anchor tenant. The development plan will take shape through a planning process that includes the ON-RAMP Community Advisory Committee.

Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “This selection advances Governor Hochul’s broader ON-RAMP initiative, delivering a modern, high-quality flagship ON-RAMP center in Central New York. The center will connect people with training for in-demand careers while supporting the redevelopment of this site in Syracuse. As planning moves forward, the Community Advisory Committee will help ensure that community perspectives inform the development plan.”

Ben Sio, CenterState CEO President said, "Selecting VIP as the master developer for the flagship ON-RAMP facility is an important milestone in transforming a historic site in Syracuse, NY into one of the most modern and comprehensive workforce training facilities in the country. VIP has long been a committed partner in regional progress. They fully understand the vision for this project and the impact it will have on the community. Once completed, CNY ON-RAMP will serve as a central hub for pathways to new career opportunities in advanced manufacturing and construction fields and a key to strengthening the local talent pipeline needed to meet the growing demand. We look forward to working with VIP on this project and are grateful to Governor Hochul for her commitment to progress in Central New York.”

Syracuse Mayor Sharon F. Owens said, "The selection of this master developer marks a significant milestone in advancing the redevelopment of 1300 South Salina Street. This appointment sets in motion the planning process that will transform a long‑vacant property into a workforce development asset that will directly benefit City residents. This development represents a forward‑looking investment in Syracuse’s economic future and the continued revitalization of one of its most historic corridors. I thank Governor Hochul, ESD and CenterState CEO for their ongoing vision and steadfast support to getting this project moving."

Dr. Carlene Lacey, ON-RAMP Syracuse Chief Executive Officer said, "We are proud to partner with VIP Structures to redevelop 1300 South Salina Street as the flagship home of the CNY ON-RAMP Workforce Training Center. This site will connect residents to the training they need for the jobs being created across our region, opening pathways to economic mobility right here in the community. We thank Governor Hochul for her continued support of ON-RAMP and VIP for bringing the vision and expertise to make this space a true community asset."

Meg Tidd, VIP Development Chief Executive Officer said, “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.”

First announced by Governor Hochul in October of 2024, the ON-RAMP program is funded through a $200 million investment aimed at creating a network of four new workforce development centers in strategic, high impact locations in Upstate New York, including the flagship facility in Syracuse. The groundbreaking initiative was first proposed in Governor Hochul's 2024 State of the State and included in the FY25 Enacted Budget. The Centers will bring together industry, academia, social services, and community organizations to provide high quality, in demand skills training and wraparound supports necessary to empower New Yorkers with the skills they need to they need to take on careers in high growth advanced manufacturing industries like semiconductors.

In 2025 Governor Hochul additionally announced that the Capital Region, Finger Lakes, and the Mohawk Valley had been selected to join Central New York in the initiative, creating a network of high-impact workforce development centers to connect New Yorkers with careers in dynamic, high-growth advanced manufacturing industries up and down the I-90 corridor.