CAZENOVIA — Cazenovia native and Syracuse-based developer TJ Di Peso is currently transforming the old GHD/Stearns & Wheler building off Route 20 into a 28-unit apartment building called the Courtyard at Cazenovia.
Di Peso’s real estate investment and development firm, Di Peso Group LLC, is completing the $6 million project as a joint venture with Icon Companies (theiconcompanies.com), a commercial real estate brokerage, development, and management company headquartered in Syracuse. Icon Companies’ development projects include Dewitt Town Center, Icon Tower, and Corbett Corner.
“A collaboration between Icon Companies and Di Peso Group is exciting for both of us,” said Graziano Zazzara Jr., the founder and president of Icon Companies. “We both are passionate about our communities and improving them, and as friends, it’s been great to unite professionally to do a project together.”
According to Di Peso, construction on the building, which is located at 1 Remington Park Dr. in Cazenovia, is almost complete.
The renovated two-story structure includes a mix of 13 one-bedroom, one-bath units (684-825 square feet) and 15 two-bedroom, two-bath units (1,170-1,304 square feet).
Di Peso described the building’s interior as having a “clean, modern feel.”
The units feature granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, modern finishes, washer and dryer units, spacious closets, and lots of natural light.
Most of the apartments have windows overlooking an existing interior courtyard, which will be extensively renovated to include fire pits, grills, seating areas, and game areas. Work on the courtyard is expected to begin within the next couple of weeks and wrap up in spring 2023 along with the exterior landscaping.
Every apartment unit can be accessed without the use of stairs or an elevator, and most can be entered directly from the outside through their own front doors.
According to Di Peso, occupants will also have access to a 24-hour fitness center; a community room with televisions, seating, and workstations; and a rural setting on eight acres.
Di Peso said there is enough parking for each unit to have two to three spots minimum with many spaces left over.
The Cazenovia-based engineering firm Stearns & Wheler merged with GHD in 2009. In March 2020, GHD relocated its office from 1 Remington Park Dr. to Syracuse.
Di Peso Group and Icon Companies purchased the office building in June 2021.
Locally, Di Peso Group recently completed a $5 million mixed-use historical renovation in Syracuse’s Armory Square called the Hudson Building. The firm also owns investment properties in Martha’s Vineyard and Orlando.
In addition to his real estate investment and development firm, Di Peso also owns Di Peso Contractors, a construction company specializing in commercial and industrial masonry work throughout New York State.
The Courtyard at Cazenovia is currently pre-leasing apartments through Icon Companies.
“Grazi and I met in our college years, and Icon Companies currently handles the leasing and property management of the Hudson Building, which I own,” said Di Peso.
On Sunday, Oct. 9, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Di Peso and Zazzara will host an open house at the building. No reservations are required.
Move-in is scheduled for Oct. 15, 2022.
Di Peso graduated from Cazenovia High School in 2002. After college, he returned to the school to coach men’s varsity soccer.
“I have so many great memories of growing up in Cazenovia and most of my family still resides there,” said Di Peso. “I always wanted to do a project here to fill a need in the community. Plus, it gives me a reason to visit.”
Di Peso added that although he views Cazenovia as a wonderful place to live, he believes the community needs more rental options, especially outside the village.
“The Courtyard at Cazenovia will help fill that void,” he said. “. . . We feel that the Courtyard at Cazenovia checks all the boxes for [everyone from] young professionals to seniors.”
For up-to-date information on the Courtyard at Cazenovia, visit CourtyardatCazenovia.com.
