ENDICOTT — Atlas James Construction & Fabrication pushed back the spring groundbreaking for its proposed $30 million Serenity Tower project planned near the intersection of Odell Avenue and Watson Boulevard in Endicott for a few good reasons.
First, the project was redesigned a bit to add 30 more apartments due to the high demand. Originally planned at 150 luxury apartments, Atlas James Construction owner Stephen Donnelly says the building was already fully pre-leased with a waiting list.
When a planned underground parking garage was nixed, that opened up space in the building and the budget to add more units, he says.
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The second reason behind the project delay is the expected influx of state and federal funding for housing projects. “We felt like it was advisable to wait for a few months,” to see how that funding shakes out, Donnelly says. While the project is already fully financed between investors and $20 million in financing through M&T Bank, any housing funding obtained would lessen the borrowing obligation, he says.
Outside of pushing back the groundbreaking, things have been moving along with the project, Donnelly stipulates. Atlas James Construction acquired the land from Phoenix Investors, LLC, and has been finalizing various providers for the project.
Vavra Enterprises, LLC of Binghamton serves as the project consultant. SWBR of Rochester is the project architect. LeChase Construction Services, LLC, which has an office in Binghamton, was previously announced as project manager.
“We do still want to break ground in the fall,” Donnelly says, adding he’s targeting late September to mid-October.
All units, ranging from one to three bedrooms, will feature energy-efficient appliances and in-unit washers and dryers, while common areas will include a business center, study areas, coffee bar, game room, 24-hour fitness center, on-site security, and a daycare center.
“The daycare center is something we want to make as a world-class facility,” Donnelly says. The entire bottom floor of the building will be devoted to the center that will serve the working professionals in the apartments above.
Donnelly sites recent announcements such as Imperium 3 New York’s plan to add 1,200 jobs to the Huron Campus by 2028 behind the need for housing in Endicott. Having luxury apartments like those planned for Serenity Tower will help the area attract people to fill the growing number of jobs, he says.
Originally planned for a late 2024 or early 2025 completion, that date is now pushed back with the groundbreaking.
Once complete, Donnelly expects Serenity Tower will employ between seven and 10 people.
Founded in 2022, Atlas James Construction provides residential and commercial construction, general contracting, natural-stone countertops, and construction management.