The fire at 101 E. Water St. was reported at about 2:35 p.m., according to 911 Center dispatches.
Firefighters found heavy smoke on the third floor, according to District Chief Matt Craner, a fire department spokesperson.
No injuries were reported, according to a fire official.
Water Street was closed from Washington Street to South Warren Street. Washington Street was also closed from East Genesee Street to South Salina Street.
The fire set off the sprinkler system, causing heavy smoke. All occupants were evacuated, Craner said. The fire was out after about 50 minutes, he said.
The third floor contains office space, Craner said.
The third floor of the building suffered moderate fire damage, Craner said.
The third and fourth floor suffered smoke damage. All floors of the building suffered water damage, including the Prime Steak House restaurant on the ground floor, he said.
Designed by local architect Horatio Nelson White, the building was completed adjacent to the Erie Canal (now Erie Boulevard) in 1867 for the Onondaga County Savings Bank.
White is also known for designing Syracuse University’s first building, the Hall of Languages, which was completed in 1870 and has a similar style as the Gridley Building.
Over recent decades, the building has housed restaurants on its ground floor and office space in its upper floors.
