By summer 2012, Syracuse University students could have another off-campus housing option located about half a mile away.

Norm Swanson, owner of the Genesee Grande Hotel and university-area properties, including the Parkview Hotel and Hotel Skyler, has proposed to adapt the former National Guard armory at 1055 E. Genesee St. into an apartment complex for SU students.

The armory itself is being converted, and another building is being added to the north side of the four and a half acre lot, Swanson said.

The complex, named Copper Beech Commons after the 140-year-old tree in front of the armory, would be 180,000 square feet and have a total of 133 apartments. The apartments would be at the corner of University Avenue and East Genesee Street, where a Connective Corridor bus stop is located, Swanson said.

‘The Connective Corridor is one of the key ingredients in terms of linking SU with East Genesee Street,’ he said.

If approved, construction for the apartment complex is set to begin in June with a goal of an August 2012 completion date. The estimated cost of the construction is approximately $18 million, which would be raised privately, Swanson said.

Swanson said he and city officials first held talks about the proposal three or four weeks ago. The final approvals on the plans to convert the armory are expected in the next 30 days, he said.

‘We’ve already had all of our predevelopment meetings with the city of Syracuse, and we see no issues whatsoever,’ he said. ‘We just have to finish up reviews with several departments within the city and then apply for a building permit.’

Swanson said he spoke with SU officials to advise them of his plans to convert the armory into student housing.

‘It is a project that is independent from Syracuse University, but having heard of the plans it seems like it could potentially create another housing option for SU graduate students and undergraduate students who have fulfilled their 2 years in on-campus housing,’ said Sara Miller, associate director of SU News Services, in an email.

Although separate from SU’s housing options, Swanson said he expects high interest from graduate students and upperclassmen at the university, as the complex offers several amenities and a great location to students. The cost of rent, although yet to be set, would be competitive with those of other recent apartments constructed in the university area, he said.

Features of the completed complex include a 24-hour staff at the front desk, a 3,000-square-foot health and fitness center, and a cafe open around-the-clock. A locked indoor storage section in each building with room for 60 bicycles and 220 outdoor parking spots are also planned.

Each apartment would come with a washer and dryer. Air conditioning, heat, light, furnishings, broadband Internet, cable and phone service would be included in the attendee’s rent. The complex would also be built to the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Development’s Silver standards, which uses energy-saving insulation, windows and mechanicals, among other standards.

The currently vacant armory would hold 49 apartments, a majority of which are planned to be two-bedroom units. The south-facing side on East Genesee Street would remain nearly the same, with the exception of minor window changes on the east and west sides of the armory.

The armory, which was built in 1940, is among other buildings on a list to be nominated for historic designation, Swanson said.

‘We’re trying to adapt and preserve the historic nature of the armory,’ he said.

Swanson said he has met with the city’s Landmark Preservation Board and has a good understanding of how to move forward with the building of the complex. Over the past 10 years, Swanson said he has worked well with the board on many other projects.

Swanson, 67, has been involved in local real estate for more than 30 years. One of his university-area properties, Hotel Skyler, located at 601 S. Crouse Ave., will open in the second week of April.

An additional 84 apartments would be contained in a new four-story building to be constructed on a lot north of the armory facing East Fayette Street, he said. The structure of the complex would resemble apartments built by other developers on South Campus and Comstock Avenue, Swanson said. A garage, which was once used to repair tanks and is currently missing its roof, will be torn down to make room for the new building, he said.

jdharr04@syr.edu

 

Published on March 28, 2011 at 12:00 pm

Contact Jon: jdharr04@syr.edu