Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

High-End, Contemporary Homes Going Up in...Syracuse

Most people who live and work outside the Syracuse University area might not know there’s a new housing subdivision going up not far from Manley Fieldhouse.  After a slow start a year ago, Xavier Woods off Comstock Avenue is getting some traction.

Credit Scott Willis / WAER News
/
WAER News

The 6.5 acre development is all but hidden behind existing houses on Comstock, Jamesville, Thurber, and Vincent in the Outer Comstock Neighborhood.  when you drive down the short access road just south of Vincent St., you’ll see three completed houses, and three more under construction.   Steve Case is owner of Acropolis Development and Brokerage, and is also the salesperson for the neighborhood.  

"It's one of a kind, new construction within the city limits, which is nice because it's really close to the hospital, close to the university.  We're finding people really like the eco-friendly, modern, contemporary style."

He says the houses are definitely unique…

"We went through a few different variations of how these were going to look, and they really are still evolving.  So the first three don't look anything like the next three, which is the nice part about the development.  They're not cookie cutter homes; they're all custom built homes where people come in and have a say in designing their own house."

Case says owners can choose their siding and finishes to dictate their own look.  He says they went in to the project with a particular demographic in mind, but it’s evolved…

"The original target was empty nesters who want to downsize, maybe have one floor living, don't want to worry about stairs in the future.  But really, the market we've been getting is across the board;  we've got young couples, young families, we have some older couples.  So we're getting a really good mix of buyers."  

Case says given the smaller lot sizes, they figured homes would average around 1,300 square feet.  So far, they’re coming in at about 1,700.  The homes aren’t cheap; the average price is shy of $300,000.  But Case says since there are no city or school taxes for seven years, they’re competitive with similar new construction elsewhere. 

Credit Scott Willis / WAER News
/
WAER News
One of the three completed houses.

"For houses that are say this expensive in neighboring Fayetteville, Manlius, they're going to be expected to pay maybe twice of what the taxes are here.  So that's a really nice perk where they may be spending a little bit more up front than they otherwise may have wanted to.  But it's more of a long-term savings for our buyers; it's a real incentive."

The subdivision will also be part of a housing association, so lawn mowing, landscaping, and snow plowing are taken care of for a monthly fee of $150.  Case realizes the unconventional design of the higher-end homes might not appeal to everyone.

"It's a little out there for Syracuse, who are typically a little more traditional in terms of housing.  So, it's a little bit of a riskier project, but we're definitely getting the demand and positive feedback that we were hoping for."

Scott Willis covers politics, local government, transportation, and arts and culture for WAER. He came to Syracuse from Detroit in 2001, where he began his career in radio as an intern and freelance reporter. Scott is honored and privileged to bring the day’s news and in-depth feature reporting to WAER’s dedicated and generous listeners. You can find him on twitter @swillisWAER and email him at srwillis@syr.edu.