February 4, 2025 - American Public News

ITHACA, N.Y. — It’s often noted that there’s a critical shortage of affordable senior housing in the Ithaca market. Local non-profit developer Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services (INHS) is hoping to fill some of that need with a new midrise senior apartment building on the west side of downtown.Plans for a five-story building were first publicly revealed this week in a grant application to the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency (IURA). The new building would be built at 203-209 West State Street, which is currently home to the one-story Family Medicine building that was built in 1985 and recently vacated, as well as a small corner parking lot. Older homes on the block were torn down for urban renewal in the 1960s, and a gas station occupied the block before the Family Medicine building was built. The site is across the street from the Tompkins County Office for the Aging.According to the filing with the IURA, INHS has already entered a purchase agreement with the owners of the Family Medicine building, and is negotiating with the city to purchase the parking lot at the corner of West State and South Geneva Streets.The tentative timeline, which is subject to change considering the grant and construction landscape going forward, states that the project will go before the city Planning Board through the spring and early summer, apply for grants shortly after, and aim to start construction in August 2026 for an October 2027 completion.INHS had plans to pursue a five-story building as part of the Inlet Island redevelopment, but the private developer who spearheaded that plan pulled out of negotiations with the city last week. A second INHS project, a 53-unit mixed rental and for-sale community in Varna, is currently pursuing state grants.Similarly sized to other recent INHS plans, the $24.9 million building planned for 203-209 West State would have 56 apartments, all one-bedrooms, all designated for people 55 years of age and older. A community space would occupy a first-floor commercial space, along with a lobby and amenity space for building residents. As the block sits in the city’s flood plain, no new buildings can have housing on the first floor. HOLT Architects of Ithaca is in charge of building design, with INHS’s Lynn Truame and Victoria Neenan in charge of project development.For senior housing, one-bedroom units have been identified as where the need is strongest, which is why the focus is on one-bedroom units here. Of the 56 total units, 50 would mostly be aimed at seniors making 50-60% of area median income, with rents of $900-$1100 per month for those one-bedroom units. The other six units would be priced at 90-100% of area median income ($1600-$1900/month), serving as middle-income housing.A portion of apartment units will be designed with features to support residents with mobility or hearing and/or visual impairments, and all of the units will be visitable by a person with a mobility impairment. Broadband internet will be provided to residents free of charge, and electric vehicle charging stations will be provided on-site. As a site adjacent to downtown Ithaca, the plan is to provide only 12 parking spaces.On the inside, units will feature no steps, wider doors, and lowered switches and controls to promote accessibility. Removable base cabinets under sinks, and installable grab bars will help residents age in place. To improve wayfinding and create a distinct sense of place, interior finishes such as paint and décor in common areas will vary by floor. Additional design details include wall-mounted handrails in corridors, contrasting colors/surfaces on steps or landings for edge cues, and clear signage.The post INHS submits plans for potential senior housing on State Street appeared first on The Ithaca Voice.First published by The Ithaca Voice.

Daily Archives: February 4, 2025

INHS submits plans for potential senior housing on State Street

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