UTICA — A strategic partnership has been formed between the city of Utica and Mohawk Valley Health System to develop a master reuse plan for the St. Elizabeth Medical Center, 2209 Genesee Street.

With the Wynn Hospital slated to open in October of this year, both St. Elizabeth Medical Center and Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare are expected to shut down when the hospital’s complete — leading to significant interest on the fate of both of the medical campuses soon to be phased out.

“The Wynn Hospital project has been a transformation project in the city of Utica and we need to make sure that positive transformation extends to the properties being vacated, particularly St. Elizabeth,” Utica Mayor Robert Palmieri said.

“While redeveloping this [St. Elizabeth Medical Center] campus will be a challenge, it’s also an opportunity to ensure our city and its neighborhoods continue to grow and thrive,” Palmieri added. “I’m happy that MVHS has committed to our shared goal of making sure that there’s something wonderful in store for south Utica and our entire city.”

“As we begin our expansion of our downtown campus, MVHS wants to remain committed to its obligations to repurpose the existing campuses, both at St. Elizabeth and St. Luke’s campus in New Hartford,” said Bob Scholefield, executive vice president and chief operating officer at Mohawk Valley Health System.

Officials with the city and MVHS are expected to develop a consultant team to assist in identifying multiple re-use scenarios, with the public’s interest in mind. Previously, MVHS engaged with potential developers interested in purchasing St. Elizabeth’s, however, those plans fell through due to the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Plans will also be developed to provide options for public financing and figuring out the cost of potential demolition of the buildings at St. Elizabeth’s.

A request for proposal has also been established with the assistance from Mohawk Valley Economic Development and Growth Enterprises (MV EDGE) and respones are currently being sought through the New York State Contract Reporter until Feb. 16.

City and MVHS officials say both parties share the goal to have the St. Elizabeth campus redeveloped in an appropriate way that would be best for the south Utica neighborhood. Both parties have also identified shared principles as part of their agreement:

For the Genesee Street frontage, provide for a mixture of uses consistent with the Genesee Street corridor as it exists within that section of south Utica;

For the balance of the property, provide for upscale, single family residential development with a mix of ownership styles; and

Scale, style and architecture reflective of the surrounding neighborhoods and commercial districts.

Councilor at Large Frank DiBrango, who is currently running for mayor of Utica, issued a statement Friday applauding both the city administration and MVHS officials on their agreement. DiBrango said plans to redevelop the St. Elizabeth campus have been somewhat stagnant and that he believes this agreement “is a great first step in redevelopment and is eager to see what the consulting team recommends,” according to the statement.

“All options in regards to St. Elizabeth campus should be on the table at this point,” DiBrango said. “This is an opportunity for the city to solidify the south Utica neighborhood and give the current residents some reassurance that the campus will be put to good use. I am hopeful that whatever the consultants recommend to both MVHS and the City of Utica, that it will be a project that ensures the south Utica residents their property values and the integrity of the area continues to flourish. I look forward to all input in regards to redevelopment and am willing to provide as much assistance as I can on behalf of the residents of south Utica.”

Officials with MVHS declined to comment on information regarding updates on the potential re-use plans for the Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare.