Adaptive Re-use with Community Focus
The St. Matthews Condominiums aimed to create a homeownership opportunity for the community by working with Redev CNY as a developer. The building, originally a school, was developed by the team into 21 unique condominiums with a blend of studio, 1-bedroom, and 2-bedroom units.
The former East Syracuse Elementary school’s transformation makes the project National Historic Registry-Eligible through its adaptive reuse. With this in mind, the exterior of the building and its mid-century motifs were preserved, and window openings were modified to maintain the character while meeting residential code. The original terrazzo within the building was kept as well as original windows at the existing stairwells. The new design celebrates these original features with elegant ceiling treatments and moldings along with subtle finishes and in-kind signage for residents’ addresses
Transforming Classrooms to Homes
The design team worked with Redev CNY to develop the space in a way that blends the historic charm of the building with a more up-scale hotel and modern vibe. Each unit is framed with their own signage and unique floorplan. A goal of the developer was to keep the end-user in mind. Being a homeowner, their experience in the unit was prioritized through the design. Angles were introduced into the floor plans to help introduce a cozier design. The team also worked to develop a standardized casework package per each unit, working with the challenge of each unit being unique. With interstitial space between units and the existing gymnasium, these units have access to patios to enjoy.
Preserving the Past, Welcoming the Future
Meeting the Affordable Housing guidelines as well as the Right to Build guidelines were a challenge to the design team. This challenge was met by bringing the envelope up to code, hosting community meetings and through permitting. The project went through new zoning, planning board, and public approval with an engineering, architectural, and site review.
This project represents the firm’s dedication to community focus both through the process of our experience with K-12 design as well as our approach to adaptive reuse. It is a great example of what is possible with school district populations decreasing in recent years.
This project represents the firm’s dedication to community focus both through the process of our experience with K-12 design as well as our approach to adaptive reuse.
It is a great example of what is possible with school district populations decreasing in recent years.
