Shovels went in the ground about a year ago in Rome, and today, a more than $8.5 million building stands in that same area.

Mohawk Valley EDGE President Steve DiMeo said when he spoke with NYSTEC's President, they knew this new building would be a good fit.

"We had discussions on what their facility needs, where we had some interest in doing another building. We needed a tenant, and we needed a partner, and Mike said, 'Well why don't we be your partner on that?' So the rest is history," DiMeo said.

NYSTEC is a nonprofit technology consulting company.

They've been around for more than 20 years, forming after the realignment of Griffiss Air Force Base to help offset job losses.

NYSTEC outgrew their previous corporate headquarters, so this new building was needed.

"We were born and raised in Rome," said NYSTEC's President and CEO Mike Walsh. "We're proud to build our headquarters here."

About 200 people across the state work for NYSTEC.

Plans are to double their Rome-based employment in the next three years.

Being in Rome keeps NYSTEC close to many of their partners.

"We have work on quantum computing that we can work on with Air Force Research Lab. We have clients asking us about UAS drones to help protect the environment, and we have other resources with regard to small business innovation. So it's very important for us to be with our other ecosystem partners," Walsh said.

Walsh said Rome is their home, and part of their mission is to give back to the community.

"We built this not only to serve ourselves. We built this to serve the Rome community, and our ecosystem partners out there that we work with about how we're gonna create more economic development in Rome."

Walsh said NYSTEC already gives back to the community in many ways including laying wreaths at veterans' graves and helping at the Rome Rescue Mission.

NYSTEC is leasing about half of the 32,000 square foot space.

The rest is meant to support community events and technology innovation.