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SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Intrada Saratoga Springs is a multi-unit affordable housing facility planned to begin construction at the end of July. The planned housing facility will be located on Washington Street by the Saratoga Springs train station. The 19-acre property was purchased on June 13 for $3.7 Million by the Vecino Group from Saratoga Route 29 Plaza Ltd.
The Vecino Group has partnered with Bonacio Construction Inc. for the project. The Intrada Saratoga Springs will be comprised of four buildings; three four-story buildings and one three-story building, totaling 158 residential units. The units will be a mix of one, two and three bedroom apartments. The total construction time is expected to take 18 months.
“What we’re aiming for is the first building would come online in 15 months or so, with one building coming online every month after,” said Rick Manzardo, President of the Vecino Group.
The Vecino Group is a development firm based in Springfield, MO. The company also builds student housing and has developed or plans to develop housing in Elmira, Troy and Cohoes. Seven of the 19 acres will be dedicated to the housing while around 12 acres will go back to the city through a conservation easement.
“There may be a park or something like a small play area... But there may be something outside still, we are kind of working with the city on what will work best there,” Vecino said.
The first 10 apartments available will be dedicated to children transitioning out of foster care.
“It’s a project we’ve done in a couple of locations. We’re asking these kids to do under the worst of circumstances what most 18-year- olds can’t do under the best of circumstances.You’ve got 18-year- olds aging outwith no security; it’s a road to a horrible life. So this is a way working with CAPTAIN, a great organization to really give the kids a chance,” Manzardo said. CAPTAIN is a grass-roots human services agency that provides support to people of all ages in Saratoga County to reach their goals of personal growth and self-sufficiency.
Also within the facilities will be a fitness center, community room, an onsite lease office, a superintendent that will reside onsite, as well as an office for CAPTAIN to provide services for tenants.
“It’s pretty terrible to see just as many driving in as they do for work, there just needs to be more affordable residences within the city,” Manzardo said.
“Its definitely not going to solve the problem but it's a good start,” he added.
