Victory Lofts project wins state preservation honor

Contractor, LeChase Construction Services, also recognized            

JOHNSON CITY — The project to renovate the former Endicott Johnson Victory Shoe Factory in Johnson City has earned some state recognition. It was among 11 projects honored as a part of the 2024 New York State Historic Preservation Awards. It also resulted in recognition for the Rochester–based contractor — LeChase Construction Services, LLC — that worked on the project.

Preservation honor

Now known as Victory Lofts, the project was recognized for Excellence in Historic Building Preservation, Rehabilitation, or Restoration, the office of Gov. Kathy Hochul said in an April 17 announcement. Built between 1918 and 1921, the factory was one of the world’s largest manufacturers of shoes and, at its height, employed 2,000 workers who produced 22,000 shoes per day. The facility was vacant for more than 40 years. Syracuse–based Paulus Development led the effort to renovate the iconic factory building into a complex with more than 150 market-rate apartments and commercial space. The company also used the state and federal historic rehabilitation tax-credit program in doing so. “Historic preservation projects take an immense amount of time, resources, and dedication,” Hochul said in the announcement. “From Buffalo to New York City, the 11 projects we’re honoring this year all symbolize critical parts of our storied history in New York State. I applaud this year’s recipients for their efforts to invest in our state’s remarkable historic resources and preserve these stories for generations to come.” Created in 1980, the New York State Historic Preservation Awards are presented by the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation to honor excellence in the protection and revitalization of historic and cultural resources.

Victory Lofts contractor

In a separate announcement, LeChase Construction Services said it was honored for its work on the restoration of the Endicott Johnson Victory Shoe Factory. The firm on March 25 said it was one of two projects for which it was recognized with 2024 Construction Risk Partners Build America Awards from the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of America. LeChase partnered with Paulus Development to transform the long-vacant factory into 156 upscale market-rate apartments, with amenities and space for future retail businesses. Syracuse–based VIP Structures served as the architect on the project, which held its ribbon cutting in late 2023. The construction company was also recognized for its work on the Strong National Museum of Play expansion and parking-garage project in Rochester. “At LeChase we take special pride in projects, like these, that enhance the communities where our people live and work,” Kyle Sayers, LeChase executive VP and COO, said in the firm’s announcement. “The Strong and Victory Lofts projects demonstrate that true partnership — between owners, contractors, designers and community stakeholders — can drive exceptional results. Congratulations to everyone who played a role in these award-winning efforts.” The AGC annually presents the Build America Awards to honor the nation’s “most impressive” construction projects, LeChase said. AGC gave out the awards on March 21, during the AGC National Conference in San Diego, California. “When I purchased the EJ Victory building, I knew the path to restoring it would not be quick or easy,” Matthew Paulus, founder and president of Paulus Development, said in the LeChase announcement. “Fortunately, LeChase was a partner up to the challenge. I’m pleased that together we were able to restore the building to where, as Victory Lofts, it is once again contributing in a positive way to the community.”