According to a U.S. Census survey from 2021, around 17% of homes were older homes built before 1950. Some property owners in Central New York are now working together to support each other in their renovation efforts.

Once a grand home for a wealthy Syracuse family, the house at 366 West Onondaga Street is less than glamorous, but with some efforts to renovate, one man thinks it shows promise. Chris LaBerge, who grew up in the city, is hoping to turn it into a mixed building of apartments upstairs and office space downstairs to revitalize the area.

"I think what we need to do [is] not only bring the area back, but also create more housing opportunities and things that are really challenging to come by right now,” said LaBerge.

He’s joined a group of like-minded people who also want to bring life to older houses.

“We have architects to answer questions. We have insurance people. We have home renovation specialists. And we even have representatives from other organizations really trying to help folks that want to revitalize these homes. And in turn, all of that revitalization will aid to revitalize the city of Syracuse,” said Jamilah Damiani, founder of the Syracuse Reno-ssance Networking Group.

Damiani started the group after hitting some hurdles with her own home remodel.

“Homes are at a scarcity right now. We can't build them fast enough and the inventory is very low,” said Damiani.

"[It's] important to me because I love it and I love the history and I love being a part of something. You know, writing the next chapter in a story for a property and for the community, and I think there's just a tremendous amount of history and character out there that would be lost if we if we don't save and keep up these buildings,” said LaBerge.

The West Onondaga Street house is being sold by the Syracuse Land Bank. LaBerge is hoping to start the renovation project later this spring and finish by early next year. He currently owns two older properties and is working to acquire two more with his business.