A Community Reflects as the Maria Regina Campus Makes Way for Affordable Senior Housing
The historic Maria Regina campus in Syracuse is being demolished after years of neglect and a devastating fire. Once a celebrated center of women’s education and community life, the campus now faces a final farewell as crews work to safely tear down the dilapidated structures. This demolition paves the way for a redevelopment project that will bring affordable senior housing to the North Side, marking a turning point for the neighborhood.
The Legacy of Maria Regina
Founded in 1934 by the Sisters of the Third Order Franciscan, Maria Regina College served as a beacon for women seeking higher education in a time when opportunities were scarce. The campus, originally part of the Saint Francis Normal School, offered a two-year curriculum in liberal arts and teacher preparation. Its mission was forged on the principles of service, faith, and community engagement.
The buildings of Maria Regina were not only centers of learning but also symbols of progress and hope for generations of Syracuse residents. Alumni continue to honor the legacy of their formative years here. As Sister Maria Salerno expressed, “It is heartbreaking really, and just no action… I see these warehouses in different places being rehabbed into apartments, and they are done already, and they have not been able to do a thing here.” Such voices preserve the memory of a place that once nurtured ambition and change.
The Decline and Catastrophe
Years of Neglect and Decay
After the college closed its doors in 1990, the campus fell into a steady decline. Multiple ownership changes and broken promises resulted in a steady deterioration. The once-proud buildings became an eyesore, with broken windows, overgrown lawns, and a history of unresolved code violations. Residents of the neighborhood watched with growing frustration as the property stood as a symbol of urban decay. Mary Salibrici, a nearby resident, commented, “I just hope I live long enough to see it happen, because it is a beautiful property.”
The Devastating Fire
In March 2025, a massive fire engulfed the century-old campus. The flames destroyed much of the historic Motherhouse and rendered the remaining structures unsafe. City officials and emergency responders described the incident as a turning point. Mayor Ben Walsh explained, “This fire was a major blow for the North Side and the city of Syracuse. Demolition means we are moving one step closer to bringing this site back to a productive use.” The damage was so severe that the city quickly condemned the property, leaving demolition as the only path forward.
Community Impact and Reactions
Voices from the Neighborhood
The demolition has stirred strong emotions among residents and alumni. Over 1,000 locals signed a petition urging city and state officials to expedite the redevelopment process. Many community members see the demolition as both the sorrowful closing of a historical chapter and a necessary step toward community renewal.
Former residents and alumni have gathered in public meetings organized by the future developer, Home Leasing. They shared memories of laughter and learning, but also frustration over the years of neglect. Mikell DiGiorgio recalled, “It is nice to think that perhaps some of our interviews, some of what we said, got the little fire started under their feet and said, ‘Hey, you gotta do something.'” These voices reflect the delicate balance between preserving history and adapting to present-day needs.
Perspectives from City Leaders
City officials have been transparent about the challenges involved. Michael Collins, Commissioner of Neighborhood and Business Development, noted that contractors are making efforts to salvage historical elements from the exterior of the buildings. “The contractor has agreed that they will try to save some of the bricks or other features for some of the nuns who once lived here,” he said. Meanwhile, Mayor Walsh acknowledged the difficulties in managing a property with such a storied past while addressing modern community needs.
Matthew Oja, Commissioner of Assessment, described the campus as “a really unfortunate cycle of decay” that reflects broader failures in urban preservation. The passionate discussions among city leaders have underscored the importance of redeveloping the site responsibly and sustainably.
Plans for Redevelopment and Future Housing
Affordable Senior Housing on the Horizon
The demolition clears the way for a renewed vision. Home Leasing, a Rochester-based developer, plans to transform the former Maria Regina campus into 150 units of affordable senior housing. The project aims to address the acute shortage of affordable housing in Syracuse, particularly for low-income seniors. Rents are projected to range from$600 to$1,000 per month, ensuring that many residents can benefit from a secure and modern living environment.
Construction on the new housing is set to begin in October 2025. Developers are taking an innovative approach that includes preserving select architectural elements from the original buildings. This gesture aims to retain a connection to the past even as the site embraces a bright future.
Economic and Social Benefits
Redeveloping the Maria Regina site is expected not only to solve housing challenges but also to revitalize the neighborhood. The new senior housing will likely foster community interactions, generate local jobs, and inspire further improvements in the area. With Syracuse facing a significant affordable housing crisis, the project offers hope for a more resilient and inclusive community.
City officials are optimistic that addressing the housing shortage will contribute to broader economic growth. The project serves as a model for balancing historic preservation with the urgent needs of a modern urban environment.
Balancing Preservation and Progress
While the demolition signifies a loss of historical architecture, the redevelopment project also represents progress. The Maria Regina campus, designed by renowned architect Archimedes Russell and steeped in history, held immense cultural value. Yet, the hazardous conditions and overall decay made preservation impractical. Efforts to save parts of the exterior, such as rehabilitated bricks, symbolize an attempt to honor the past while making way for new opportunities.
The conversation around Maria Regina encapsulates the wider struggles faced by historic urban centers. The debate is not merely about saving old buildings but about preserving collective memories in practical ways that support forward-thinking urban planning. By integrating elements of the past into a modern context, Syracuse can maintain its cultural heritage while addressing current social and economic challenges.
A Call to Embrace Renewal
The demolition of the Maria Regina campus closes an important chapter in Syracuse history. It is a moment of collective reflection for those who remember the campus as a symbol of opportunity and community. Yet, it also marks the beginning of a new era. As the site transforms into affordable senior housing, the city takes an important step toward revitalizing the North Side and addressing a critical housing shortage.
Residents, alumni, and city officials alike are urged to stay engaged in the redevelopment planning process. By supporting new projects and preserving historical elements where possible, the community can honor its legacy and build a future that is secure, inclusive, and vibrant.
Let us remember the lessons of Maria Regina as we embrace these new beginnings. Now is the time for action, vision, and community spirit. Together, we can build a Syracuse that honors its history while welcoming a brighter future.
