SYRACUSE, NY — In a move to safeguard one of Central New York’s most cherished architectural landmarks, National Grid has officially announced a comprehensive, multi-year restoration of its historic Art Deco headquarters in downtown Syracuse. Known colloquially as the “Niagara Mohawk Building,” the silver-and-black masterpiece at 300 Erie Boulevard West is set to undergo a rigorous revitalisation process as it approaches its 100th anniversary.
The project, which began its first visible phase this week, is designed to reverse nearly a century of wear and tear caused by the region’s harsh lake-effect winters while upgrading the structure to serve a modern workforce of over 2,000 employees.
A Cathedral of Light: The History of 300 Erie Boulevard West
Completed in 1932 during the height of the Great Depression, the building was originally commissioned as the headquarters for the Niagara Hudson Power Corporation, then the largest electric utility in the United States. Designed by Syracuse architect Melvin L. King in collaboration with the Buffalo firm Bley & Lyman, the structure was intended to be more than just an office—it was a “Cathedral of Light” designed to showcase the transformative power of electricity.
The Spirit of Light
Atop the building’s tiered, ziggurat-like tower stands its most famous feature: “The Spirit of Light.” This 28-foot-tall, 12,000-pound stainless steel sculpture depicts a winged figure with arms outstretched, symbolising the era’s optimism and the rapid spread of the electric grid. Made of Crucible Steel—the same high-grade alloy used in New York City’s Chrysler Building—the statue has become an indelible part of the Syracuse skyline.
The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2010, cementing its status as one of the finest examples of Art Deco architecture in the nation.
Phase One: Restoring the Gateway to the Lobby
The restoration efforts are being launched with a focus on the building’s main entrance. In May 2024, the iconic front doors facing Erie Boulevard West were severely damaged in a car accident. Since then, the main lobby entrance has remained partially inaccessible to the public and employees.
Precision Engineering in Manlius
To ensure the building’s historic integrity remains intact, National Grid partnered with Rooted Construction Management & Architectural Fabrication in nearby Manlius, NY.
- Fabrication: The company is hand-fabricating new stainless steel doors to replace those destroyed in the crash.
- Finishing: Specialists are working to match the unique “satin” finish of the original 1932 steel, ensuring the new installation is indistinguishable from the surviving historical elements.
- Salvage: Original push bars from two of the damaged doors were salvaged and will be reinstalled, while a third is being meticulously replicated.
“We expect this first phase to be completed by January 2026,” said National Grid spokesperson Jared Paventi. “Reopening those lobby doors is a symbolic start to the much larger project ahead.”
The Multi-Year Master Plan: Protecting the Envelope
Beyond the doors, the building faces significant “envelope” challenges—the industry term for the outer shell that protects the interior from the elements. After nearly 100 Central New York winters, the steel, glass, and masonry have taken a significant beating.
Modern Materials, Historic Designs
One of the most delicate tasks in the upcoming years involves the building’s distinctive black spandrel panels. Originally made of Vitrolite (a brand of structural glass), many of these panels have cracked or shifted over the decades.
- GFRC Replicas: National Grid will replace damaged panels with glass fibre reinforced concrete (GFRC). These replicas will match the ornate Art Deco designs of the originals but offer vastly improved durability and resistance to water infiltration.
- Roofing: The current roof has reached the end of its functional life. A total replacement is planned to prevent leaks that have begun to threaten the upper floors.
- Masonry: Restoration crews will reset the original stone parapet caps and repair brickwork using materials sourced from the building’s original local manufacturers where possible.
Maintaining the “Spirit”
While the building’s exterior undergoes major surgery, the “Spirit of Light” sculpture will also receive a specialised cleaning and inspection. “It’s actually in remarkably good shape for its age,” Paventi noted. “It’s survived wind, snow, and lightning for 93 years. It’s a testament to the quality of the steel produced right here in Solvay.”
From the Electric Age to the Renewable Age
The timing of the restoration is not lost on the company’s leadership. The Niagara Hudson building was built at the dawn of the “Electric Age,” a time of centralised power and the birth of the modern utility. Today, National Grid is overseeing a transition into the “Renewable Energy Age,” characterised by solar, wind, and decentralised grids.
“The building has been a constant as the industry has evolved,” Paventi said. “Revitalising this space reflects our commitment to Syracuse and to the future of energy. We are taking care of the outside so we can continue to take care of whatever comes next inside.”
Impact on Downtown Syracuse
The restoration project is being overseen by Nelson Associates Architectural Engineers of Clinton, NY, and must comply with the strict guidelines of the City of Syracuse Landmark Preservation Board.
Local leaders view the multi-year investment as a cornerstone of the ongoing “Syracuse Surge”—a city-wide initiative to revitalise downtown through tech and infrastructure. With over 2,000 employees coming and going from the Erie Boulevard complex daily, the building remains a critical economic engine for local restaurants and small businesses.
A New Glow
The restoration follows the successful installation of a new LED lighting system in late 2024. That system, featuring over 600 fixtures capable of producing millions of colours, allows the building to change its appearance for holidays, sporting events, and community milestones.
“When you see the building lit up at night, it’s a reminder of what Syracuse was and what it can be,” said one local business owner. “Seeing National Grid invest in its long-term future here is the best holiday gift the downtown area could get.”
Restoration at a Glance
| Feature | Restoration Plan |
| Main Entrance | Custom-fabricated stainless steel doors (Jan 2026). |
| Facade Panels | Replacement of black Vitrolite with durable GFRC replicas. |
| Roofing | Full replacement of aged materials to stop water infiltration. |
| Masonry | Historic brick infill and resetting of stone parapet caps. |
| The Statue | Professional cleaning and structural polishing of “The Spirit of Light.” |
As work progresses through 2026 and 2027, residents should expect to see scaffolding around sections of the tower. However, National Grid assures the public that the “Spirit of Light” will remain visible and illuminated throughout the process, continuing its 93-year watch over the city.