SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC NEWS) – Since 1894, the McCarthy Buidling has stood in the heart of downtown Syracuse, housing office spaces, stores, and food spots. After an 18-month renovation in, a marketplace found its home in the basement in 2020.
The McCarthy Mercantile quickly became the hub for independent artists, businesses, and creators. Shops in the market carry anything from vintage clothing to jewelry to local art.
What makes this marketplace unique from the rest is that all the shops found a home under the same roof.
Michelle Pfaff, co-founder of Cherry Pit, a vintage clothing store, says it has been amazing to see the development of shops at the mercantile.
“I’ve seen them grow into their own brick and mortar shops as well so that’s been amazing,” she says. “A lot of these are recent shops because they grow out, but they all bring great vibes down here.”
Shops in the market also feature works of local artists. Syracuse artist Erin Nowak designs various handmade items that are displayed in Wildflowers Armory.
“I love that it is a collective of artists so we can all learn about each other’s work,” she says. “It’s been a fun outlet to share my love for upstate and Syracuse with the wider community.”
