Mohawk Valley Health System (MVHS) has officially issued a Request for Expressions of Interest (RFEI) inviting qualified developers to submit proposals for the redevelopment of the former St. Elizabeth Medical Center (SEMC) campus, a 21.3-acre site located on Genesee Street in Utica.
The RFEI marks a major milestone in the long-planned transformation of the former hospital campus and builds upon extensive community engagement, planning and environmental review. The redevelopment vision calls for a predominantly residential project that will deliver much-needed market-rate housing while preserving the historic character of the site and enhancing the surrounding South Utica neighborhood.
“This RFEI represents an exciting next step for the St. Elizabeth campus and for the City of Utica,” said William LeCates, MD, President/CEO of MVHS. “Through a collaborative planning process with the City of Utica, community partners and local stakeholders, we have established a thoughtful vision for redevelopment. We now look forward to engaging with experienced developers who share that vision and can help bring it to life.”
City of Utica Mayor Michael Galime emphasized the broader community impact of the project. “The redevelopment of the former SEMC campus is a critical opportunity for Utica,” Mayor Galime said. “This site has the potential to deliver high-quality housing, strengthen our neighborhoods and support continued economic growth. I appreciate MVHS and our community partners for the inclusive planning process that has brought us to this point and for their commitment to ensuring this redevelopment benefits residents and the city as a whole.”
The St. Elizabeth Campus Reuse Master Plan was developed through a public outreach process led by the City of Utica in coordination with MVHS and community stakeholders. A Generic Environmental Impact Statement (GEIS) was completed in 2025 under the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA), creating a framework that positions the site as redevelopment-ready.
“The City has been intentional about planning for growth while respecting neighborhood character,” Mayor Galime added. “Issuing this RFEI sends a strong message that Utica is ready to partner with developers who are aligned with our vision for smart, sustainable and community-centered redevelopment.”
The RFEI seeks proposals that emphasize new housing development, including market-rate apartments, townhomes or single-family homes, with the potential for limited neighborhood-scale retail and well-integrated greenspace. Proposals should align with the approved reuse plan, respect the architectural context of the surrounding Olmsted-designed neighborhood and incorporate sustainable design practices.
Key dates include:
- RFEI Release Date: December 8, 2025
- Question Deadline: January 19, 2026
- Proposal Submission Deadline: February 2, 2026
Following submission, selected respondents will be invited to participate in interviews and site tours, with developer selection anticipated later in 2026.
The former St. Elizabeth campus is privately owned by MVHS, and negotiations with a selected development team may begin immediately following the selection process.
The full RFEI and supporting planning documents are available through the City of Utica’s website.
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