SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) — A historic downtown Syracuse building is getting a second life as a wine bar and event space.
Mizpah Tower, a six-story Gothic-style landmark overlooking Columbus Circle, will soon reopen as The Mizpah, a wine-focused bar with an adjoining event space. The building, originally home to the First Baptist Church, has been largely vacant since the 1990s, aside from a brief stint as a concert venue.
The new venue will preserve much of the building’s original architecture, including its vaulted ceilings and raised stone platform. The wine bar will feature a self-pour section, allowing customers to select and pour their own wines. This concept is similar to the self-serve beer wall at Harvey’s Garden, another bar owned by developer Michael Greene. The event space will host weddings, receptions and community gatherings.
Syracuse resident Zoe Kofsky says she’s excited to see how The Mizpah fits into the downtown scene.
“It’s a new kind of environment that I haven’t encountered downtown, and I think that it is a good space for the community to grow and it welcomes different age groups and could be a lot of fun,” Kofsky said.
She also believes the bar’s unique concept will add something special to the city.
“I am really excited. I feel like it’s a cool, different kind of place that we don’t have in Syracuse, and I’m really excited to see how it plays into the building, and I don’t know. I think it’ll be a lot of fun,” Kofsky said.
The project required a distance waiver from the Roman Catholic Diocese of Syracuse since the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception is across the street. The diocese approved the request and welcomed the addition of a new gathering space near the church.
While the wine selection will be the main focus, the bar will also serve beer, spirits and cocktails. A food menu is being developed and is expected to include sandwiches, salads and charcuterie boards.
Renovations to the space are still underway, but Greene plans to open The Mizpah by the end of 2025. Due to its blend of history and modern amenities, the venue is set to become a downtown staple.
AUDIO TRANSCRIPT: New wine bar and event space to open in downtown Syracuse
Charlie Neidell: A historic Syracuse building is getting a new purpose, as a wine bar and event space. NCC News’ Hannah Beam has more on the transformation of Mizpah Tower.
Hannah Beam: The Mizpah tower has stood in downtown Syracuse for over a century, once home to a church and later a concert venue. Now, it’s being revived as The Mizpah, a wine-focused bar with an adjoining event space. The venue will highlight the building’s original architecture while offering a modern social atmosphere. Syracuse residents such as Zoe Kofsky are eager for a new place to go out.
Zoe Kofsky: I am really excited. I feel like it’s a cool, different kind of place that we don’t have in Syracuse, and I’m really excited to see how it plays into the building, and I don’t know. I think it’ll be a lot of fun.
Beam: The space will feature a self-pour wine section and host community events. With its blend of history and innovation, Syracuse residents say it could become a downtown staple. The owners plan to open by the end of the year. For NCC News, I’m Hannah Beam.