May 24, 2018
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Frost Travis - ftravis@travishyde.com
Elizabeth Ambrose - eclassen@bridgescornellheights.com
Two Local Businesses Partner to Develop Active Senior Housing Downtown
ITHACA, NY: Travis Hyde Properties and Bridges Cornell Heights have formed a partnership to develop an active senior residence on the site of the former Tompkins County library.
Travis Hyde Properties, led by Frost Travis and Chris Hyde, is a local developer of housing and commercial projects in Ithaca. Bridges Cornell Heights is a pioneering senior living provider founded by Elizabeth Classen Ambrose. The new residences will blend the Travis Hyde Properties expertise in property development with the Bridges Cornell Heights innovative approach to senior living.
Sixty-seven units will be included in the project, situated at the corner of Cayuga and Court Streets. One-, two- and three-bedroom options will be available. Amenities will include a restaurant, à la carte home health services from an on-site agency, community room, courtyard gardens, workout facilities, warming pool, and parking. The new partners will also be working with neighboring LifeLong, to provide on-site activities and programs.
Active senior housing is an underserved housing market segment in downtown Ithaca. Bringing together older adults for a downtown lifestyle will bring benefits to the community, as well as to the residents. “The one fountain of youth that exists in our world today is social connection,” said Elizabeth Classen Ambrose, proprietor, Bridges Cornell Heights. “We know we feel happy when we are with friends, but research has proven that increasing social bonds lowers blood pressure, improves immune response and actually extends life expectancy.”
With Dewitt Park across the street and the Commons two blocks away, the new housing is in the sweet spot of Ithaca’s downtown attractions. “The walkability score for the Dewitt Park west side is 96%,” said Frost Travis. “It is convenient to Ithaca’s best retail and restaurant options, as well as festivals and events. It’s special to have this downtown access while still enjoying a residential neighborhood.”
Designs by HOLT Architects are being finalized, and feature a 4-story building surrounding a courtyard garden at the southeast corner of the property. Parking will be below ground and amenities will be ground level.
“We are proud to be working with Elizabeth and the Bridges team on this unique downtown living space,” quoted Chris Hyde. “This is going to be the perfect place for the couple who is ready to downsize and get rid of the lawnmower. I know I would like to do that.”
