When plans are announced for redevelopment of the Graystone Hotel, you can’t blame West Village residents for being skeptical. They have seen promising reuse plans unravel several times in recent years. Perhaps a fourth time is the charm.
The on-again, off-again (and on-again and off-again) rehab of the Graystone on Johnson Park is apparently “on” again. Ellicott Development has revived plans to renovate the six-story building that is on the National Register of Historic Places. The developer revealed its rekindled interest in proceeding with the residential conversion project in a recent email to the West Village Renaissance Group (WVRG).
Carl Paladino’s Ellicott Development purchased the property at 24 Johnson Park in March 2002 with plans to convert the complex into a market rate, upscale apartment building. Work came to a halt after a worker fell through an upper floor while gutting the property. In early 2006, the developer announced that the project was back on with work scheduled to commence in 2007.
In August 2006, Signature Development disclosed it had agreed to purchase the property from Ellicott Development and create up to 36 apartments in the landmark. Signature never finalized a purchase and plans for the 'H@ Lofts' project were put on ice last August.
Neighborhood residents’ angst has grown with each canceled redevelopment plan. Long concerned over the condition of the vacant and deteriorating property, neighbors feared the building’s days were numbered if Ellicott Development did not find a buyer.
Now comes word that the developer has warmed to taking on the project itself. According to an email to the WVRG, Ellicott Development has retained a new architect and that “there is finally some more promising and forward progression” at the Graystone.
Ellicott has asked to present their plans to the WVRG, though acknowledges it may be “a little while until we have something formal to present.”
Perhaps the Graystone’s time has come. The neighborhood has gotten stronger since Ellicott Development purchased the property. A wave of over $300 million in public and private sector investment has recently been completed or is underway along Delaware and South Elmwood avenues. There also happens to be a lull in downtown residential construction. Though there are several projects planned, the only units underway are the 37 condominiums at nearby 200 Delaware Avenue.
Opened in 1897, the former Berkeley Hotel was designed by Carlton Strong. The six-story columned building is an early example of reinforced concrete construction.