Marc Wouters | Studios was retained by the City of Syracuse to design a land use master plan for one of New York State’s largest projects, the conversion of elevated highway I-81 into an at-grade urban boulevard. The work includes residential, retail, office, and institutional uses. Studies include assessment of best uses for parcels along the corridor, refinement of the design of the new boulevard, development studies, financial modelling, establishing a regulatory framework, and job growth strategies. 

Social equity efforts include studies for a 4-acre Community Land Trust with permanent affordable housing, targeted support for locally owned minority businesses, support for local minority culture, affordable homeownership, and equitable job growth. Extensive studies examine pedestrian, bike, and transit improvements that will operate in conjunction with the new at-grade boulevard. The team held public engagement efforts including stakeholder interviews, a week long public charrette, and walking tours with several community groups. Work began in 2022.