Governor Kathy Hochul announced that work is underway on a new $96 million affordable housing development and conference center in downtown Ithaca.
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Asteri Ithaca will be constructed on the western portion of the Green Street Parking Garage, which will be demolished as part of this comprehensive urban renewal project. The highly energy efficient, all electric building will feature 181 affordable apartments with 40 homes reserved for people in need of supportive services to live independently.
The affordable apartments and 55,000 square foot conference center will occupy the same 12 story building. The $62 million residential portion on the top nine floors will include 78 studio, 87 one bedroom, eight two bedroom, and eight three bedroom apartments. Rents are structured to be affordable to households earning up to 80 percent or less of the Area Median Income.
Forty apartments are reserved for people in need of supportive services. They will benefit from an Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative (ESSHI) award to Tompkins Community Action, Inc., which will be administered by the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA).
All residents of the development will be provided with free internet service, with each unit hard wired for 5G access, including routers for WiFi. Amenities will include a 12th floor sky terrace, outdoor space, and a fourth floor fitness center and community room. Residents will also have access to a common laundry room on every other floor, and indoor bike storage on the ground floor.
The eastern portion of the Green Street Parking Garage will be renovated and expanded to include 350 parking spaces, with spots available for building residents to lease.
Located at 118 East Green Street, Asteri Ithaca is within walking distance of the Ithaca Commons, City Hall, restaurants, shops, medical offices, and professional offices. The development is close to Six Mile Creek Trail, DeWitt Park and Cascadilla Gorge Trail. The Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit's Ithaca Commons Green Street stop is nearby and is served by more than 10 bus routes. ■