Excellence Award Spotlight: Reynold's Way
"The Preservation League's Excellence Awards are a much-coveted award for historic preservation projects across New York State," said Elise Johnson-Schmidt, the project's architect. "We are so pleased that Elmira's Reynold's Way project is a recipient of this year's award and proud of producing 41 affordable living spaces in four previously vacant buildings while retaining the historic integrity of each building."
Susan Bull, President and CEO of Arbor Housing and Development said, "We are thrilled to be recognized with the Excellence in Historic Preservation Award from the Preservation League of NYS for the Reynold's Way Apartments in Elmira, NY. As one of many partners who brought this development to fruition, we are grateful that historic preservation projects such as this one provide much-needed supply to meet the demands of affordable housing. We are thankful for the team of partners who shared in the vision of transforming the buildings and giving residents a beautiful space to call home."
406-408 E Church Street Before-and-Afters
Located in the heart of Elmira's civic historic district, the Reynold's Way project is comprised of four very different buildings that had all been vacant for many years. Taken together, Reynold’s Way now houses 41 affordable apartments. The work that was done to convert these four separate buildings into affordable housing celebrates the historic integrity of each building and supports the notion that everyone deserves quality living space. Susan Bull notes that, “We are able to serve people who are choosing to live in a community they love by bringing four spaces back to livable (and beautiful) condition. I’m proud to be a part of the affordable housing supply.”
Located across the street from City Hall and next door to the Chamber of Commerce, two of the buildings feature elaborate porches that had previously been removed from their facades, one that employs the actual historic columns and terra cotta capitals that were stored for future restoration. Originally developed by a woman, Julia Reynolds, over one hundred years ago, these two buildings have been returned to their original usage as residential apartments after a century of various uses.
410-416 Church Street Before-and-Afters
Across the street, the former Brand and Way Tobacco Warehouse features an area that had been a drive-through for the tobacco carts that is now a community room. Its original elevator equipment has been left in place and exposed in a corridor, and the post and beam construction has also been left exposed throughout the building.
Tobacco Warehouse Before-and-Afters
The fourth building, the Stowell House, which is located adjacent to the Warehouse, was originally a single-family dwelling that has been sensitively rehabilitated as four one-bedroom apartments with elaborate fireplaces and millwork throughout.
319 William Street Before-and-Afters
When asked what it means to receive this statewide recognition, Project Architect Elise Johnson-Schmidt had this to say:
It promotes the idea that affordable housing and historic preservation can go hand-in-hand and that despite the challenge of meeting historic preservation guidelines while meeting affordable housing and environmental standards, that it can work. I'm very proud of our accomplishment as a team of people all with different goals: providing affordable housing; celebrating and maintaining historic integrity; building a project that is environmentally friendly; and building a quality space.
President and CEO of Arbor Housing and Development Susan Bull added, “It helps to promote and celebrate the very important need for affordable housing. Statewide recognition raises all tides, and we appreciate how that impacts the residents of the community.”
Project Team: Arbor Housing and Development of Corning, Owners; Johnson-Schmidt & Associates, Architects and Historic Preservationists; Hamilton Stern Construction, General Contractors; Sustainable Comfort, Environmental Consultants; Jensen BRV, Structural Engineers; Fagan Engineers, Site Engineers; Williams Construction; and O'Connor Plumbing and Heating.