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A demolition order has been issued for the former motherhouse of the Sisters of Saint Francis in Syracuse, following a severe fire earlier this month. The blaze, which occurred on March 21, took firefighters over 24 hours to extinguish. Drone footage and inspections revealed that the 129-year-old building poses a significant safety hazard, prompting city officials to call for its immediate demolition.
According to CNY Central, the City of Syracuse's Division of Code Enforcement issued a Condemnation Notice and Order for Emergency Demolition. The building's owner, Mark Congel, has faced more than 15 code violations, and the structure has been a concern for city officials and residents on Syracuse's north side. The demolition costs will be covered by the owner.
The city is working with The Kimberly at Grant Boulevard LLC and Home Leasing, the proposed future developer, to ensure that the demolition process protects surrounding structures. The plan is to transform the remaining buildings into affordable senior housing. Michael Collins, commissioner of Neighborhood and Business Development, expressed sadness over the loss of the Motherhouse but noted that repurposing the property offers some consolation. LocalSYR reported that the city aims to begin demolition as soon as possible.