exterior of the Sibley Building under construction in Syracuse, NY

Empire State Development Announces HII to Move Into Historic Location in Downtown Syracuse

HII Will Serve as the Anchor Tenant in Former Sibley Building on South Salina Street; Commits to Creating More than 80 New Jobs

NYS Investment Complements “CNY Rising” – The Region’s Comprehensive Strategy to Revitalize Communities and Grow the Economy

Empire State Development (ESD) today announced that the all-domain defense and technologies partner, HII will expand its operations in downtown Syracuse and occupy 50,000 square-feet of renovated space in the former Sibley Building located on South Salina Street. The company’s Mission Technologies division will serve as an anchor tenant in the repurposed space which is currently being transformed into a mixed-use facility that will feature office, commercial and retail space, as well as residential units. As a result of the consolidation, HII has committed to creating more than 80 new jobs at the site and expects to be operational in the new space in the first quarter of 2023. 

Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Hope Knight said, “The Central New York Region offers companies like HII an experienced, high-tech workforce that promotes growth and opportunity. Thanks to Governor Hochul’s continued laser focus on workforce development, businesses are creating the jobs of tomorrow and fueling New York’s innovation economy.” 

HII is a global engineering and defense technologies provider. With a 135-year history of trusted partnerships in advancing U.S. national security, HII delivers critical capabilities ranging from the most powerful and survivable naval ships ever built, to unmanned systems, ISR and AI/ML analytics. HII leads the industry in mission-driven solutions that support and enable a networked, all-domain force. Headquartered in Virginia, HII’s skilled workforce is 44,000 strong. According to Forbes, the company is also ranked 11 of America’s Best Large Employers.

“With our nation’s increasing demand for mission-critical advanced technologies, we are committed to investing in and expanding our research and development capabilities,” said Andy Green, HII executive vice president and president of Mission Technologies. “Our expanded presence in New York will ensure our continued support to our customers’ missions today and into the future.” 

ESD is assisting HII with the revitalization of the South Salina Street location with up to $3 million through the Excelsior jobs Tax Credit Program. The Syracuse Industrial Development Agency also assisted with the project. The total cost for the project renovation has been placed at $5.5 million.

This latest project further supports the transformation already underway in downtown Syracuse.  The Central New York Regional Economic Development Council has focused its attention on the rehabilitation of downtown. Those efforts include the revitalization of the historic Hotel Syracuse, now known as the Marriott Syracuse Downtown, the expansion of The Tech Garden, which is helping forward-thinking entrepreneurs to grow their ideas, the renovation of the former Excellus building into the Icon Tower multi-use facility, the redevelopment of the former Post-Standard building, and the establishment of online marketplace and software business TCGPlayers’ innovative headquarters on South Warren Street. Additionally, in 2021, the city of Syracuse was named as a round five, $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative winner. That effort serves as a cornerstone of the state's economic development policy, meant to transform downtown neighborhoods into vibrant centers of activity that offer a high quality of life and attract redevelopment, businesses, jobs, and economic and housing diversity.

Assemblymember William B. Magnarelli said, “HII establishing its location in downtown Syracuse is reflective of Central New York’s commitment to creating an innovative economy that is focused on both workforce development and job creation. We look forward to welcoming HII downtown and providing their employees with the wonderful opportunities found in Central New York.”

County Executive Ryan McMahon said, “Thank you to HII for expanding its presence in Onondaga County and for its commitment to our local downtown as it continues its renaissance. This innovative company’s move to the repurposed Sibley Building will only add to that momentum by creating high-quality jobs for the residents of our community, resulting in a greater quality of life here for generations to come.”

Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh said, “I am grateful to HII for its decision to invest in Syracuse, and to Governor Hochul, Empire State Development and the Syracuse Industrial Development Agency for their assistance in making it happen. This exciting project accelerates the resurgence in Downtown Syracuse, which has seen a renaissance in recent years, contributing to job and population growth. HII’s presence as an anchor tenant in the former Sibley’s building will enhance our presence as a smart city and provide great job opportunities for current and future residents alike.”

CenterState CEO President Robert Simpson said, “HII’s official move into City Center marks an important milestone in the redevelopment of Syracuse’s downtown as this project is a significant transformation of our city’s main street. We are excited to welcome this exciting high-tech company and its 80 employees into our community and support their growth, which also aligns with our focus to attract and support companies in the data to decisions sector, and highlights the success of our region’s economic development strategy.”

For additional information about HII, visit: https://tsd.huntingtoningalls.com/

Accelerating CNY Rising

Today's announcement complements “CNY Rising,” the region’s comprehensive blueprint to generate robust economic growth and community development. The regionally designed plan focuses on capitalizing on global market opportunities, strengthening entrepreneurship and creating an inclusive economy. Now, the region is accelerating CNY Rising with a $500 million State investment through the Upstate Revitalization Initiative. The State’s $500 million investment will incentivize private business to invest well over $2.5 billion – and the region’s plan, as submitted, projects up to 5,900 new jobs. More information is available here.

About Empire State Development 

Empire State Development (ESD) is New York’s chief economic development agency. The mission of ESD is to promote a vigorous and growing economy, encourage the creation of new job and economic opportunities, increase revenues to the State and its municipalities, and achieve stable and diversified local economies. Through the use of loans, grants, tax credits and other forms of financial assistance, ESD strives to enhance private business investment and growth to spur job creation and support prosperous communities across New York State. ESD is also the primary administrative agency overseeing the New York State Regional Economic Development Councils and the marketing of "I LOVE NY," the State’s iconic tourism brand. For more information on Regional Councils and Empire State Development, please visit www.regionalcouncils.ny.gov and www.esd.ny.gov

Contact:

Shari Vincent | [email protected]| (585) 399-7055 | (800) 260-7313

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