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NEWS RELEASE For Immediate Release
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Contact: Ray Gillen, Metroplex
(518) 377-1109
(518) 461-7137 (cell)
$15 Million Investment: Former Draper High School to Become Draper Lofts
Schenectady, N.Y., October 13, 2015 — The Schenectady County Metroplex Development Authority today announced plans by a development team to renovate the vacant former Draper High School into 107 apartments to be called Draper Lofts. The $15 million project will renovate the building which is now vacant. Draper School is located at 901 Draper Avenue in the Town of Rotterdam.
Anthony Jasenski, Chairman of the Schenectady County Legislature said, “We are excitedabout Draper Lofts and this major $15 million investment in Rotterdam and in Schenectady County. This project will transform a vacant building into a vibrant new residential living option that will benefit Rotterdam and all of Schenectady County. We are also pleased that the newowners will keep the name Draper as this building has so many fond memories for Rotterdam residents.”
The development team includes Sunrise Management and Consulting in Colonie, NY, Design Logic Architects, PC in Albany, NY, and JPM Contractors from Brunswick, NY. This same team is currently converting the former West Sand Lake School in Averill Park, NY into 31 apartments.
The former Draper School was built starting in 1913. The school closed in 1986. The building was used briefly as the home for a charter school before closing for good in 2008. The building has been vacant since that time.
Jesse Holland, President of Sunrise Management said, “We are excited to take on the challenge of rehabbing this building which totals more than 125,000 square feet. We believe that the Draper Lofts will be a great addition to the neighborhood and we thank Schenectady County, Metroplex and the Town of Rotterdam for working with us to rehab this building.”
The new owners plan to start construction in 2016 and complete the project within 24 months.
The Rotterdam Planning Commission reviewed the project last week and Metroplex will provide a $50,000 façade grant for the project.
Ray Gillen, Metroplex Chair, said, “This is a very important building that will be preserved through this project and the end result will be quality housing which will make a very positive impact on the neighborhood. We thank the development team for moving forward with this latest investment in Schenectady County.”
The development team manages 1,500 apartments in Upstate New York including the 192 unit Long Pond Village Apartment in Rotterdam, NY.
Former Draper High School
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