Despite the pandemic, Rome's mayor says the city's largest projects are still on track and the future is looking bright.

"It's really amazing," Mayor Jackie Izzo said. "I can't remember this level of construction and activity throughout the entire city in my lifetime."

From millions of dollars worth of work at the Capitol Theatre to the demolition and replacement of a parking garage to the expansion of Cold Point, an existing Rome business at a previously vacant site, there's a lot happening in Rome.

What You Need To Know

  • In 2018, Rome was awarded $10 million for downtown projects as part of the governor's Downtown Revitalization Initiative

  • Since then, work has progressed on the Capitol Theatre and a parking garage was demolished and replaced

  • More projects are underway

Those are a few of the projects benefitting from the governor's Downtown Revitalization Initiative, a $10 million award. Izzo says the plan is to make the most of every dollar.

"We are finally capturing residents into our community that were otherwise working here, but living somewhere else, so it's a great time to be in Rome. We have a lot of positive things happening," Izzo said.

The Capitol Theatre has reopened during the final stages of its $2.5 million restoration project.

The 1928 theatre is undergoing its second all-inclusive renovation. The goal is to bring it back to its 1939 design, down to the same door knobs and trash bins. Renovations include the heating, cooling and plumbing systems, as well as mechanical and electrical updates, new paint and carpeting and refurbished seats.

Work is still underway, including on the marquee.

The Rome Area Chamber of Commerce's president says he already sees the investments making a difference. "It's bustling with more activity than I've seen in quite awhile," Rome Area Chamber of Commerce President Bill Guglielmo said. "So it's a great sign for what we hope will be happening in the coming months, particularly with all the development."

Other projects are still coming up, including the construction of Copper City Lofts, improvements to Liberty James Parking Garage and changes at the City Hall Green to make it a four-season spot for community activities.

Mayor Izzo expects all $10 million of the award to be spent by 2024.

"Honor America Days" is taking place in Rome at 8 p.m. July 31 with a concert and fireworks at Fort Stanwix. There will not be a parade.