I can see that some of the interior walls have been framed-out as more glass-mat sheathing has been going up along the exterior walls. Once the exterior walls are closed-in, we’ll see a colorful variety of fiber cement panels installed to compose the facade of the building, along with a brick layer to form the base. There will also be some metals panels around certain window popouts. The site plans were posted here back in May, and the renders of the outside along with exterior details are on the last page.
Planned Parenthood Framing & Sheathing Progress
November 13, 2013 // by Jason Henderson
Hotel Proposal for Elmira Road
November 10, 2013 // by Jason Henderson
The November 26th City Planning meeting this month has a new hotel project proposal (PDF embedded below). Ithaca Hotels and Optima Design & Engineering intend to build a
“4-story, 11,769-SF hotel with approximately 76 rooms and 76 parking spaces. The 1.4‐acre project site contains two contiguous tax parcels, containing a 7,500+/‐ SF office commercial building, fronting Elmira Road, and an auto‐body shop in the rear ― with access from Spencer Road and large paved parking areas.”
Ithaca Hotels, LLC was formed last September in Erie County, and its filing address shows up as an industrial cleaning contractor. Also filed for the same address is “Andco-Anderson Construction,” which has been registered in the past in four other states, unless the name is a coincidence. I suppose we’ll see if either company is associated or not at some point.
Optima Design & Engineering out of Buffalo has partnered with Ithaca Hotels, LLC. Their news page shows structural engineering work for the new Fairfield Inn in Horseheads… look familiar? Much like its new counterpart down the street from this proposal in Ithaca, which was completed back in August. I suppose all new Fairfields probably look about the same anyway- although, I’m sure this proposal would be for a different franchise.
Purity Ice Cream Updated Site Plan Documents
November 6, 2013 // by Jason Henderson
Still bummed that the tower is a no-go, but the new scaled-down design for an expanded Purity Ice Cream store space and new second-story office by John Snyder Architects looks spiffy. As was announced back in October, the new plan calls for an expansion of Purity Ice Cream’s store operations, and a buildout of the second story and roof level above to include 2,640 square feet of office space and a terrace area, slated to start January next year. The PDF below contains a further revised design, full site and landscaping plans, as well as a code review on the first page. The facade improvements call for new sections of accent brick and aluminum curtain walls.
Planned Parenthood Updated Photos
November 4, 2013 // by Jason Henderson
Here are some updated photos from last week of the Planned Parenthood project on Seneca Street in the west end Route 13 split. There’s more progress on exterior wall-framing, sheathing, and some new interior wall framing. I can also see a bunch of new HVAC ductwork along the ceilings on the second level, an electrical panel with conduit runs for temporary lighting, and pipework on the ground level.
Hobby Lobby Paving & Sign Done
October 31, 2013 // by Jason Henderson
The sign is up, paving complete, lights are on- and yes, there are three Christmas trees in the front entry already. If the store hours and opening day are correct, this store opens November 11th, Veteran’s Day at 9am.
Hobby Lobby replaces the Old K-Mart, which was closed October 2011.
Hobby Lobby Repaving, Front Facade & Prep for Sign
October 29, 2013 // by Jason Henderson
Here are some dusty shots taken today from the Hobby Lobby store site opening November 11th in the former K-Mart shell. In addition to the 56,444 square foot store, the property owner/developer Benderson Development is seeking a 14,744 square foot expansion along the southern wall (where the K-Mart garden center was previously) for a retail tenant- perhaps a store that commonly pairs-up with Hobby Lobby. Many major retailers partner-up with another complementary store in strip malls, creating clusters of complementary goods in the same area to boost sales- like a salon and a café, or a sports pub and a women’s clothing store for example; you can’t do both of those activities in the same store, but they would go together.
From the looks of it, the front facade is basically done, re-paving and striping has been well underway, and will probably be finished this week. The sign was in a trailer on site already, and the store was filled with retail racks.
Planned Parenthood Exterior Wall Framing and Sheathing
October 26, 2013 // by Jason Henderson
The Planned Parenthood site is well underway with exterior wall stud framing. The crews have started to install sheathing the ground-level and the northern sections of the walls with glass-mat sheathing panels. Roofing tiles are being installed on the hipped-roof section, and I bet there’s probably a membrane going up on the flat roof (the entryway flat roof has a layer already). As you can see from the renders, the long, open horizontal wall sections on the southern and eastern sides will be filled-in with windows.
Rick’s Rental World Expansion Plans
October 23, 2013 // by Jason Henderson
A regular go-to shop for contractors and weekend warriors alike in Ithaca, Rick’s Rental World has intentions to expand on their parcel at 800 Cascadilla Street (all the way at the west end of Cascadilla). Plans had already been established last year for the 2,300 square foot metal building addition at the south end, and here’s a newer proposal including a 30′ x 39′ pole barn at the north end. The site plan and project narrative are embedded below. The two additions will help the operation consolidate rental equipment into enclosed areas for storage and maintenance.
Hobby Lobby Big Box Taking Shape
October 21, 2013 // by Jason Henderson
Hobby Lobby’s entrance and front facade are taking shape, with contractors on site every day to prepare the store for its November 11th opening. Looking at it now, it’s actually quite amazing how fast this work is getting done, but that’s what large commercial contracting crews are good at. Automatic doors are in, lighting has been up for a few weeks- we should expect trucks unloading merchandising racks soon, then boxes of goods. Oh, and a big orange sign too.
Magnolia House New Sidewalk and Fencing
October 20, 2013 // by Jason Henderson
The Tompkins Community Action Magnolia House has a new sidewalk poured along Meadow Street, and there’s some new wood fencing being put up along the entryways and back side. Pavers have been installed on the north and south side entrances, and will continue along the back to form a patio area with flagstone benches. I’m not sure when the building is going to be completed, but there are still materials and tools on the inside.