By Kelly Homan Rodoski SU News

Note:  Lincoln Supply is located at the western terminus of the Connective Corridor

The revitalization of the former Lincoln Supply warehouse in Syracuse’s Near Westside neighborhood to create apartments and offices has earned a platinum rating in a new version of the LEED® system developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). The accomplishment was announced today by the Near Westside Initiative Inc. (NWSI), the Syracuse Center of Excellence (SyracuseCoE) and the USGBC during a ceremony at the LaCasita Cultural Center, located on the first floor of the Lincoln Building at 109 Otisco St.

The NWSI’s first large-scale mixed-use project, the 100-year old, four-story former warehouse was transformed during 2009 and 2010 into 30,000 square feet of mixed-use commercial and residential spaces with green building technologies, including energy-efficient geothermal heating and cooling and storm water retention strategies that eliminate all site water from entering the city and county sewer systems. The first and second floors contain office space, and are currently home to the La Casita Cultural Center and Say Yes to Education. The third and fourth floors feature 10 live-work artist lofts.

The project is one of the first in the county to use a pilot version of a LEED® rating system that is being developed for mid-rise (four-six stories), multi-family residential projects. The Lincoln Building is the first project in Upstate New York to earn a LEED® rating in the new system.

The building renovation was designed by the Chicago-based firm of Brininstool + Lynch. The firm coordinated consulting engineering services provided by Central New York firms, led by Syracuse’s C&S Companies for civil, mechanical, electrical and plumbing; Palucci Engineering PC of Syracuse for structural; Earth Sensitive Solutions, LLC, of Skaneateles for geothermal field design; Northeast Green Building Consulting of Syracuse for green building design; and UPSTATE: A Center for Design, Research and Real Estate in SU’s School of Architecture, for landscape architecture. The contractor for the project was Rich and Gardner Construction Co. of Syracuse, and the construction was managed by Daniel Queri Consulting Services.

Initial funding for the project was made possible by the efforts of State Sen. John DeFrancisco and Assemblyman William B. Magnarelli, who brought a $13.8 million NYS debt reinvestment opportunity to the University’s attention, which was subsequently dedicated to the NWSI in 2007, and $1 million from the Round 2 Restore New York Communities Initiative grant awarded to the City of Syracuse in 2011. The grant is aimed at helping to revitalize urban areas, stabilize neighborhoods and invite renewed investment. Additional funding was provided by Onondaga County’s Save the Rain program, National Grid and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority. The project was financed by the Community Preservation Corp.

Other specialty building systems include a living wall; high performance windows and insulation systems; heat recovery ventilators for residential spaces; provisions for renewable energy systems, such as solar photovoltaics and solar hot water; high-efficiency lighting systems, fixtures and appliances; pervious pavement in parking areas; and an urban garden.
“This is a wonderful milestone for Syracuse University, for the city of Syracuse, for all our partners in the Near Westside Initiative and, most importantly, for neighborhood residents themselves,” says Syracuse University Chancellor Nancy Cantor. “As the first LEED® Platinum-certified building in its category in Central New York—and one of the first nationally in that category—the Lincoln Building stands as a powerful example of how innovative green building technologies can transform urban spaces and enhance quality of life for all who live or work in them.”

“As a native of Syracuse, I’m thrilled that the Lincoln Supply Building has earned the first LEED for Homes Mid-Rise project rating in Upstate New York,” says Rick Fedrizzi, president, CEO and founding chair of USGBC. “This project is an outstanding example of how human systems can integrate with natural systems to have powerfully positive impacts on the residents, the natural and human landscapes that surround them and the entire region’s well-being. I applaud the construction and design teams, the Near Westside Initiative and its board members, Syracuse University and the SyracuseCoE for achieving LEED® platinum for a project that will inspire and nurture generations to come.”

“This is another tremendous accomplishment for the Near Westside Initiative, and I am deeply grateful to Ed Bogucz of the Syracuse CoE and Dan Queri of Daniel Queri Consulting Services for getting this—our first warehouse—under way, completed on time and on budget, and now with a Platinum rating,” says Marilyn Higgins, SU vice president of community engagement and economic development.

“Earning a Platinum LEED® rating for the adaptive reuse of the former Lincoln Supply warehouse is sure to strengthen the reputation of Syracuse’s Near Westside neighborhood as a showcase for pioneering green building design and construction,” says Ed Bogucz, SyracuseCoE executive director. “SyracuseCoE warmly applauds the ingenuity of the many Central New York firms that enabled the project to earn the highest rating in a pilot version of a new LEED® system. The SALT District, which once was known for manufacturing gears, plows, Franklin automobiles and Carrier air conditioners, now is earning recognition for transformational projects to create a healthy, vibrant neighborhood for future generations.”
“With the designation of the sixth LEED® Platinum-certified building in Syracuse, we are becoming national leaders in building construction with green technology. In the process, we are completely transforming the Near West Side of Syracuse, where four of the buildings are located,” says Sen. DeFrancisco.

“The LEED Platinum certification of the Lincoln Supply Building further continues the great progress the city and the Near West Side are making toward improving the community through green building technology,” says State Sen. David Valesky. “I congratulate all who were involved in bringing this project to fruition.”

“I am happy to learn that the Lincoln Building has received the highest LEED® certification for green building design and construction. It is admirable that the Syracuse Center of Excellence and its collaborators are focused on not only renovating the building, but also revitalizing the neighborhood and protecting the future with the highest standard of environmentally friendly measures,” says Assemblyman Magnarelli. “Buildings like this will continue to help Syracuse make a name for itself as a community that leads the state and nation in environmentally friendly policies, designs and innovations.”

“I am pleased to see the Lincoln Building receive this recognition,” says Syracuse Mayor Stephanie A. Miner. “This is a sign of the importance of new green development in our city and will serve as an anchor to our Near West Side.”

“The restoration of the Lincoln Supply Building is another great investment in the transition of the near West Side,” says Onondaga County Executive Joanne Mahoney.”Achieving LEED certification is a tremendous accomplishment that adds to the growing list of ways our community is leading the way nationally when it comes to sustainability.”
“This is a great example of how teamwork and vision can lead to an innovative and sustainable solution,” says Orrin B. MacMurray, chairman of C&S Companies. “This 100-year-old abandoned building has been transformed into a tremendous, energy-efficient asset for all to enjoy.”