The New York lifestyle recreated in Syracuse

Following a long and challenging journey, further protracted by the Covid-19 pandemic and the associated lockdowns, the comprehensive renovation of the Nynex building has finally been completed. The building, constructed in 1972 and abandoned for nearly three decades, is located at 300 East Washington Street in Syracuse, a city renowned for its neo-Gothic character with a population of 150,000 inhabitants near Lake Onondaga, approximately 400 kilometres from New York City in upstate New York. The overarching vision of developer Acropolis Realty Group and the design teams, including StudioSC for the interiors, was to transform the building into a multifamily residential complex and bring the famous “New York lifestyle” to Syracuse. The revitalised complex now offers an extraordinary array of services and recreational facilities uncommon for this region of the state, making it a remarkable and noteworthy architectural endeavour. The amenities include lounge areas, professional workspaces, art studios, communal kitchens, an indoor swimming pool, a wellness space, a large fitness centre, changing rooms, saunas, a Turkish bath, and much more.

The three basement levels underwent a profound transformation. The previous continuous glass façades were removed and a new envelope was constructed using a combination of multi-span continuous facades, storefronts, windows and French doors enclosed by a supporting aluminium framework. These glass elements incorporate a high-performance insulating low-E coating to enhance thermal and acoustic performance. Like a public square, new retail spaces and amenities for tenants are located in these lower levels, including a gym, pool and spa.

On the seven floors above the basement, there are a total of 212 residences on offer. These come in seven different size and layout options, comprising one, two and three-bedroom units, as well as exclusive studios designed for a co-living experience. The building also includes lofts with the largest balconies anywhere in the centre of Syracuse. The interiors, designed by StudioSC, emphasise simplicity, understated luxury and a rational flow of spaces and pathways. The open spaces are generously proportioned and feature refined design elements, while the presence of abundant natural light creates a luminous ambience. The apartments are strategically positioned along the perimeter of the building around the central square, which is enhanced by subtle artificial lighting, playful use of colour and ceramic slabs from the Glocal collection, a sophisticated and durable porcelain from the Italian brand Mirage. The Glocal collection offers a wide variety of sizes and colours to help create vibrant programmatic zones in all the public spaces. The designers from StudioSC explain their choice: “We opted for Mirage’s Glocal line because its versatility allowed us to create a clean, warm and neutral base, essential to support a more colourful approach with textures and fabrics for the custom pieces incorporated throughout the project.” These creative elements combined with a strong focus on sustainability (reduced energy consumption, low emissions) have established 300 East Washington Street as an architectural landmark with a significant urban impact. In recognition of these characteristics, it won the “multi-family residential” category at the 30th edition of the Ceramics of Italy Tile Competition in 2023.