The Continuing Adventures of 40 Below

As we've talked about at length, an outgrowth of 40 Below, known as Adapt CNY, is in the process of renovating the Wilson Building in the 300 Block of S. Salina St.

The group is eliciting donations to raise about half of the $4 million needed for renovations (which include creating condos/apartments and first floor retail space). The group's latest "bake sale" - a $100 per person New Years Eve bash at the Hotel Syracuse. The hotel, which is also waiting for its own renovations, apparently can still be used for fundraisers/events held in the famous Persian Terrace ballroom. A cool event, and a good idea. I'm thinking of extending my Christmas vacation in the 'Cuse until New Years so I can go.

I have a couple of questions about Adapt CNY, however. Ultimately, who will be receiving the income from the rental of apartments and commercial space in the building? I only ask because obviously this is being promoted/treated as almost a charitable endeavor, but potentially someone stands to make a profit. As Adapt CNY is a non-profit, perhaps the money will be directed to other 40 Below activities, or even to the purchase/renovation of other properties in the city. I'm just curious about the long term aims of the initiative (i.e., in cold business terms, who gets the benefit of the donations and volunteer work...)

The group is currently seeking volunteers to do building clean-out work on the weekends - a smart idea to get the community involved. Check out the group's site for more info. (I love the site/project name - "Save Wilson". Reminds me of Tim Allen and Tom Hanks.)