Construction has begun on the $41 million rehabilitation and modernization of Colonial II Apartments in the city of Rome in Oneida County, N.Y.
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The project will preserve affordability for 74 seniors and the new highly energy-efficient design is expected to achieve net-zero carbon emissions and help reduce overall utility costs for residents.
Colonial II Apartments is located at 310 Cottage Street in Rome and is owned and operated by the Rome Housing Authority. The complex is accessible by public transportation and located near grocery shopping, a pharmacy, medical facilities, and public parks.
The seven-story building originally opened in 1972 as a school and dormitory and was converted to public housing in 1984.
The building has never been upgraded prior to this critical rehabilitation and has become functionally obsolete.
The renovations will reconfigure apartment sizes, which are currently too small to remain viable.
When complete, the building will offer 74 one-bedroom apartments for seniors and people with disabilities, with amenities including communal spaces, laundry facilities and an outdoor courtyard for recreation. RHA will employ a full-time maintenance superintendent on-site.
The building will be redesigned to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by utilizing heating and cooling service from onsite geothermal wells connected to individual ground source heat pumps, individual energy recovery ventilators to provide fresh air and exhaust stale air, central heat pump hot water heaters with a recirculation loop, and a vast solar photovoltaic array to cover 98 percent of the annual electricity production in the building.
This project's rehabilitation includes replacement of the existing building's exterior walls with a highly efficient, and cost-effective system of exterior window and wall panels. These new panels will provide a stronger and more durable exterior that will help to reduce energy costs.
The developers are Beacon Communities Development LLC and the Rome Housing Authority (RHA). ■