The Granite Building

Live in a beautifully restored Federal building (1822) in the heart of downtown Syracuse in historic Hanover Square. Enjoy its cafes and restaurants. Attend live concerts in the nearby Landmark Theatre or the OnCenter Convention Center. Walk to work... in the law courts or be close to the University of Syracuse campus. Across the street in Clinton Square visit the Downtown Farmer's market in the summer and enjoy ice skating in the winter rink.

The builders and designers used the original building details as a guide to recreate an authentic 19th century space equipped with the comfort and convenience of modern amenities. The building facade has been meticulously restored to its original 19th century configuration. The apartments have dual zone central heating and air conditioning with custom humidification. The floors are wide plank pine with traditional cut nails. Custom four panel federal style doors have solid brass Georgian hardware. Federal style transoms carry daylight into each room.

Spacious walk-in bedroom closets come equipped with stacking GE washers and dryers. There is desk space for a cosy home office or a laundry prep station in each unit.

The bathrooms floors have luxe thermostat controlled radiant floor heating. Locally made custom medicine cabinets and vanities provide ample bathroom storage.

The kitchens were designed with Georgian and Federal style millwork motifs and mimic 19th century tavern interiors. Entertain your friends in style on the kitchen islands which can easily accommodate seating for three people. Bar stools are provided. Granite kitchen countertops and high end stainless steel appliances are installed. Samsung microwaves are installed in the islands, and Bosch dishwashers are hidden behind custom designed cabinet doors. The refrigerators are full size GEs.

The living rooms' large Federal windows look out on downtown Syracuse's Hanover Square and include views of the State Tower Building, St. John the Evangelist Church steeple, and historic Water Street. Listen to the gentle sounds of the church bells pealing from City Hall.

Custodial services include hall maintenance and garbage pick up three times a week. Security cameras are installed in the front entrance. High speed Internet cable ready. Smoke free. Sprinkler systems. Adjustable window shades are provided. A covered 24 hour parking garage is conveniently located around the corner on Washington Street.

The Granite Building was built in 1822 by Kellogg and Sabin. Its facade was constructed out of granite and was originally freestanding. According to Syracuse Landmarks by Evamaria Hardin, it is "the oldest downtown structure." Its history is closely aligned with the history and growth of the city of Syracuse. It was a general store in its early days and it may have had a salt inspector since a salt scale and counterweight were found on site by a later owner, Mr. Robert Koolakian. In the 1860s the renown local architect Archimedes Russell had the third floor as his architectural office. Most interesting, it was in this building that John M. Clark, an early pioneer photographer, and an early tenant established a daguerreotype studio in the1840s on the fourth floor. It was one of the oldest photography portrait studios in the country at the time. In an index of photographers who practiced in Syracuse from 1841-1900, Cleota Reed (1985) listed about thirty five, and according to Koolakian's research, "half of them practiced in the Granite Store at one time or another." The famous Civil War photographer George N. Barnard, who photographed General Sherman's campaign, was associated with Clark's Studio which he bought in 1853. It continued to be occupied by many artists and apprentices throughout the post Civil War period. The building was owned for many years by Robert Koolakian beginning in 1956. He ran a well known mens clothing store, Koolakian, in the ground floor retail space. Mr. Koolakian was a meticulous caretaker of the building who researched historical documents detailing the building's illustrious history.

Renters pay for internet and electricity. Read More