Syracuse discusses fire damage at Maria Regina College site

Syracuse firefighters worked to control a fire at the former Maria Regina College on Court Street over the weekend. The fire started on Friday evening around 6:30 p.m. and burned for more than 24 hours, severely damaging the roof of the four-story building. City officials, including Mayor Ben Walsh, will hold a news conference on Monday to discuss the fire's impact and future plans for the site. Walsh visited the site on Sunday and is coordinating with fire and public works officials to ensure the property is secure. Firefighters remain at the scene, conducting hourly inspections using thermal imaging cameras. They are monitoring the structure to prevent any potential flare-ups. Capt. Phillip Vogt from the Syracuse Fire Department stated they are confident the fire is out. The historic building has a deep connection to the Sisters of St. Francis, who lived there for many years. It was also associated with Sister Marianne Cope, canonized a saint in 2012. Developer Mark Congel, who purchased the property in 2015, had plans to convert it into apartments. However, the site has remained mostly vacant. Recent vandalism and past fires have troubled the property. The investigation into the cause of the current fire is still ongoing. During the firefighting efforts, some nearby residents experienced low water pressure, which has since been restored. Thousands of gallons of water were needed to fight the blaze, highlighting ongoing water pressure issues in the city.