The former Townsend Towers has been reborn as Geneva Tower - Upstate Medical University’s newest residence accommodations for its growing medical student population. Originally serving the community as low income housing, the 21-story building sat empty for several years before its acquisition by the University. Designing for LEED certification at the gold level, Architecteam added a two story structure to the south side as well as a 21-story elevator and lobby tower to the building’s north face. Featuring fully furnished apartments in one-, two- and four-bedroom configurations, Geneva Tower’s amenities include an exercise facility, group study areas and a lounge.

Renovating a cast-in-place concrete structure presented a number of challenges to design firm Architecteam. With no basement to house mechanical and electrical functions, valuable ground floor space had to be appropriated. Creating spacious and contemporary living was further challenged by the need to design around numerous existing pipe and duct penetrations. Additionally, while the concrete proved suitable for multiple flooring materials, uneven pours and the presence of asbestos in the existing flooring adhesive necessitated corrective measures.

Enhancing the available usable space was the cornerstone of Architecteam’s design solution. An open space filled with natural light and featuring an ornamental staircase provides new interconnectivity between the social spaces of the first two floors. Former balconies on the remaining 19 residential floors were transformed into large expanses of glass. Not only were thermal efficiency and visible light transmittance improved but residents now enjoy panoramic views of the city and southern valley.

 

Neutral-colored, warm, inviting and quiet floor finishes were selected for living and circulation spaces, while color was introduced in the social areas. To extend the perception of depth in residential areas, material patterns were kept subtle; however, in larger transitional areas, patterns create the opposite effect. With J+J/Invision’s Night at the Circus collection, Architecteam found the sustainable flooring it was seeking. Recycled material content, low-VOC adhesives, and a PVC-free option made J+J/Invision’s modular carpet tiles appealing to the design team while the owner was pleased with their ease of maintenance and extended life cycle.