Ace Hardware: The Helpful Hardware Hub in Syracuse, Onondaga County, and Central New York
Ace Hardware has long been synonymous with reliable home improvement solutions, embodying its famous tagline, “The Helpful Place.” Founded in 1924 as a cooperative of independent retailers in Chicago, Ace Hardware has grown into the world’s largest retailer-owned hardware cooperative, with more than 5,800 stores globally. What sets Ace apart is its model: each store is locally owned and operated, allowing for personalized service tailored to community needs. In the Syracuse area and broader Central New York region, Ace Hardware stores have become essential fixtures for DIY enthusiasts, homeowners, and professionals alike. This article explores the presence of Ace Hardware in Syracuse and Onondaga County, extending outward to locations within approximately 100 miles, highlighting their history, offerings, and community role.
A Brief History of Ace Hardware in the Region
Ace Hardware’s roots in Central New York reflect the cooperative’s national expansion, which accelerated after World War II. Locally, stores like Village Hardware in Baldwinsville trace their origins to longstanding family operations that joined the Ace network for better sourcing and branding. A success story in the area is Village Ace Hardware, which started as a small 3,000-square-foot shop and expanded into multiple thriving locations under owners like Jose DiSano, leveraging tools like point-of-sale systems for growth. More recently, the Brewerton Ace Hardware opened in 2022 at 9655 Brewerton Road, owned by local residents Jeff and his partners, marking a 9,500-square-foot addition to Onondaga County’s northern suburbs. This store celebrated its second anniversary in 2023 with specials on grills, power equipment, and more, underscoring Ace’s commitment to community events. While not all local hardware stores are Ace-affiliated—such as the historic City Hardware on South Geddes Street in Syracuse, which closed in 2025 after over a century—the Ace brand continues to fill the gap with modern, accessible retail.
Ace Hardware Stores in Syracuse and Onondaga County
Syracuse, the heart of Onondaga County, hosts several Ace Hardware locations that cater to urban and suburban needs. These stores offer everything from basic tools and paint to grilling supplies, lawn care products, and seasonal items. Here’s a roundup of key spots:
• Bob’s Ace Hardware at 4805 S Salina St, Syracuse, NY 13205. This store is a go-to for southside residents, providing comprehensive home improvement resources. Phone: Not listed in sources, but open standard hours.
• Salt City Hardware at 325 Nottingham Rd, Syracuse, NY 13210. Located in the east side, it’s praised for its knowledgeable staff and wide selection. Contact: (315) 362-3254, email: saltcityacehardware@gmail.com.
• Liverpool Ace Hardware at 658 Old Liverpool Rd, Liverpool, NY 13088. Serving the northern suburbs, this location emphasizes convenience for quick fixes and larger projects.
• Village Hardware at 43 E Genesee St, Baldwinsville, NY 13027. A staple in the village, it’s part of the broader Village Ace network known for community-focused service.
• Nightingale Mills Ace Hardware at 4068 S Street Road, Marcellus, NY 13108. Open Monday-Friday 7:30am-6:00pm, Saturday 7:30am-5:00pm, Sunday 9:00am-4:00pm. Ideal for rural Onondaga residents. Phone: (315) 673-2001.
• Village Ace Hardware at 204 S Manlius St, Fayetteville, NY 13066. This eastside store is highly rated on Yelp for its helpful staff and inventory. Phone: (315) 637-7696.
• Brewerton Ace Hardware at 9655 Brewerton Road, Brewerton, NY. A newer addition, focusing on power tools and outdoor gear.
These stores, along with others like potential locations in Elbridge, form a dense network in Onondaga County, ensuring no resident is far from expert advice.
Extending the Reach: Ace Stores Within 100 Miles of Syracuse
Beyond Onondaga County, Ace Hardware’s footprint covers much of Central New York, reaching into neighboring counties and cities within a 100-mile radius. This includes areas like Oswego, Oneida, Cayuga, Tompkins, and Broome counties. Notable locations include:
• Northern Ace Home Center at 2721 State Route 3, Fulton, NY 13069 (about 25 miles north in Oswego County). A full-service center for home and garden needs.
• Ace Hardware of Rome at 115 Black River Blvd, Rome, NY 13440 (around 40 miles east in Oneida County). Offers standard Ace products with local flair.
• Little Falls Ace Hardware at 441 W Main St, Little Falls, NY 13365 (approximately 70 miles east in Herkimer County). Serves the Mohawk Valley with tools and hardware essentials.
While specific listings for Rochester (90 miles west), Binghamton (70 miles south), Ithaca (50 miles southwest), and Utica (50 miles east) weren’t detailed in searches, Ace’s store locator confirms multiple outlets in these cities, such as various branches in Rochester and Binghamton areas. For instance, near Central Square (20 miles north), additional stores like Brewerton complement the network.
Services, Offerings, and Community Impact
Ace Hardware stores in this region go beyond retail, providing services like key cutting, paint mixing, propane exchange, and equipment rental. Many participate in Ace’s rewards program and offer online ordering with in-store pickup. Community involvement is key—stores host events, support local charities, and adapt inventory to regional needs, such as snow removal tools for Syracuse’s harsh winters or gardening supplies for the Finger Lakes area.
Customer reviews on platforms like Yelp highlight the “helpful” staff, with Salt City Hardware and Village Ace often earning top marks for personalized assistance. In an era of big-box competitors, Ace’s local ownership ensures a neighborly touch.
Conclusion
From the bustling streets of Syracuse to the quieter towns within 100 miles, Ace Hardware remains a pillar of reliability and community support. Whether you’re tackling a home renovation in Onondaga County or seeking supplies in nearby Rome or Fulton, these stores deliver quality products with expert guidance. As Ace celebrates its centennial milestones nationally, the Central New York locations continue to embody the cooperative’s enduring spirit. For the latest details or to find your nearest store, visit the Ace Hardware store locator online.
Also Check our Cookbook recipes put together by a small town Ladies Auxiliary in 1975.