Phoenix Building

Address

 123 E. Water St.
Syracuse, NY 13202 (map)

Area

 Armory Square
This was a complex of four buildings sometimes known as the “Phoenix Block.”  These buildings are the oldest in downtown Syracuse and were originally canal loft “double-enders.”  This design allowed access for business from the street on the south, and from the Erie Canal on the north.  Windows of both front and rear upper floors have wooden lintels done in a simple Federal motif.   The large upper floor windows indicate that they were originally doorway openings for hauling goods up by block and tackle from the canal boats docked below.  These buildings were constructed after fire destroyed 21 buildings in Hanover Square.  It is thought they were named after the mythical bird, the Phoenix, which rose from the ashes.
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