The Downtown Committee’s top 10 highlights of 2010 focus on renovation, growth and development, and barbeque. You know, the basics. Here is the DC’s list of the 10 biggest and best happenings of the last year, in no particular order: Landmark Theatre renovations begin
The Landmark Theatre began its $16 million stagehouse expansion project in October, and is scheduled for completion this fall. A larger backstage area means larger touring companies, and is expected to double the number of nights the theater is in use. Urban Outfitters opens
Urban Outfitters opened its Armory Square store, and its first CNY location, in August in the historic McArthur, Cooney and Wirth Building on Walton Street. Downtown Revitalization Grants turn $230k into $4.2m
Here are the numbers: In 2010, 16 projects were funded by $230,738 in revitalization grants, which project to more than $4.2 million in downtown investment. An additional $225,000 was awarded to six projects currently under construction that total more than $7.1 million in downtown investment. Downtown Farmers’ Market relocates
The Downtown Farmers’ Market relocated to Clinton Square, first temporarily while its former location was renovated. But the new Clinton Square location was so well received that it became the permanent home of the Downtown Farmers’ Market. LEED-certified buildings crop up
Washington Station and the CNY Philanthropy Center joined the Jefferson Clinton Commons as LEED-Certified buildings in downtown Syracuse. Washington Station opened in August and houses O’Brien and Gere; the CNY Philanthropy Center opened in November and is the headquarters of the Central New York Community Foundation, as well as other local non-profits. Record volunteer effort in downtown
Spring clean-up efforts helped the Downtown Committee draw its largest number of volunteers for a single event, ever. More than 500 trash bags were filled by the March 20 pre-NCAA and the April 17 Earth Day cleaning crews. Downtown housing continues to grow
The downtown housing market continued to grow in 2010, with more than 30 new downtown units completed and construction on several more residential projects have begun. The 2010 Downtown Living Tour in May drew a record 1,800 visitors to tour examples of downtown living. Syracuse Arts & Crafts Festival celebrates 40th anniversary
Celebrating its 40th year in downtown Syracuse, the AmeriCU Syracuse Arts & Crafts Festival welcomed 150 artists from the U.S. and Canada, and 50,000 visitors for a three-day showcase. Ready for next year? The 41st annual Syracuse Arts & Crafts Festival will be Friday July 29 to Sunday July 31. Downtown restaurants receive national attention
Downtown Syracuse dining institutions Dinosaur Bar-B-Que and Kitty Hoynes were the focus of national attention in 2010. Dinosaur was featured on the Travel Channel’s Man v. Food program, while Kitty Hoynes became the first restaurant in the country to receive “A Place of Hospitality” certificate from a national restaurant industry consultant firm. Demolition Begins on Common Center
Centro began demolition in October to prepare for the new $16 million transfer hub at the corner of Salina, Warren and Adams Streets. The new facility will feature an enclosed climate-controlled waiting area, 22 route-specific bus bays, electronic LED, and a bus loading area out of the elements. Completion of Common Center is expected in late 2011.