Troy

The Troy Housing Authority has chosen Philadelphia-based development firm Pennrose LLC to partner with it and the Troy Local Development Corp. to transform the John P. Taylor Apartments site into a Hudson Riverfront gateway to the city, with apartments geared to a broad range of incomes.

Under the plan, buildings 1 and 2 at Taylor, which are vacant, would be demolished and new housing developed, at least some of it for the residents of Taylor 3 and 4. After that, those towers also would be demolished and the property redeveloped.

Pennrose's concept also includes commercial, office and retail space, as well as public amenities. A riverfront esplanade and a straightened River Street that would reconnect downtown and the neighborhoods to the south are also part of the concept plan.

All current residents of Taylor would be accommodated on-site in affordable apartments.

Pennrose has developed a number of apartment projects, and is currently working on redeveloping Yates Village on Van Vranken Avenue in Schenectady, its first project in the Capital Region.

"This project has been a long time coming and I am grateful to the staff of the Troy Housing Authority and Troy Local Development [Corp.] for coming up with a plan to implement this important project," said Susan J.W. Steele, board chair at the Troy Housing Authority.

"Taylor 1 and 2 have been a burden to us for many years," added Deborah Witkowski, executive director of the Troy Housing Authority. "It will be great when Taylor 1 and 2 are finally demolished and the entire site is transformed."

Pennrose, selected through a request for qualifications, will meet with Taylor residents and surrounding neighbors to seek their input.

The Taylor towers were built in the 1950s, surrounded by green space and offering views of the river.

The site was split by the then-new Troy-Watervliet Bridge, which opened in the early 1970s.

The new plans include low-rise buildings oriented toward the Hudson River, with courtyards, balconies and gardens. Storefronts would occupy the ground level streetside.

One challenge: fitting the redevelopment around the existing ramps of the bridge, something that may be addressed during the upcoming Congress Street Bridge redesign study.

"The quality and experience of the responses to the RFQ and collaborative approach embraced by public and private partners further demonstrates why Troy is uniquely positioned to realize the potential of its intact waterfront," said Steven Strichman, executive director of the Troy Local Development Corp.

"This effort presents opportunities not only for expansion of our downtown, but improved utilization and better access to the waterfront for Troy residents and families," said Troy Mayor Patrick Madden.

eanderson@timesunion.com • 518-454-5323