SYRACUSE -- Four years ago, WCNY announced plans to build brand new television and radio studios in Syracuse's Near Westside neighborhood. Complications with grant funding derailed the project, but now the public broadcaster says the project is back on track, with construction set to begin within a few weeks.
According to an article in today's Syracuse Post-Standard, WCNY closed on a deal to buy part of the old Case Supply warehouse on Tuesday. The station plans to spend a total of $20 million on the new facility, which will incorporate some new construction with renovations to the existing warehouse structure.
Aside from the usual studios and offices, the facility will have an auditorium for concerts, a learning center for school field trips, and even a café. WCNY President and CEO Robert J. Daino told the newspaper's James T. Mulder he envisions the new building as "a venue and a destination."
WCNY's studios and offices are currently located on Old Liverpool Road in Liverpool. The future site is just a few blocks west of Armory Square, spanning the entire block of Marcellus Street between South West Street and Wyoming Street.
Mulder's report says WCNY has already raised about $16 million from a combination of grants, pledges and other donations. The station will soon launch a special fundraising campaign to cover the remaining $4 million. WCNY hopes to move into the new facility by October 2012.