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PPM Buildings Going Solar!

Solar panels have been installed on the entire south side of the roof at 320 Hillview Place. This 100 panel system provides electricity to 14 apartments at 320 Hillview and the neighboring 514 South Aurora Street. This commercial system providing solar power for tenants is only the second of its type in the entire New York State Electric and Gas service area.

Drive by and take a look! 320 Hillview Place is on South Hill, just west of South Aurora Street, about five block south of the Ithaca Commons.

The buildings are owned by The Aurora Home, LLC, a partnership of four people - Peter Penniman, Ed Cope, Jan Klotz and Daniel Tourance. Several of the partners have had a long involvement with energy efficiency and alternate energy sources, especially Ed Cope, who lives in a solar and wind powered home in Caroline. Ed's home is completely off of the NYSEG electric grid.

This project has been made possible in part by government subsidies for solar power, including a federal grant, a reduced-interest loan, and a partial federal tax credit. Even so, financial projections indicate that electricity from the system will cost a little more than conventional electricity-an amount equal to a one-time 2% increase in rents for the apartments. The owners are confident that there is a market demand for this type of apartment with a green energy source. If not, the owners are willing to absorb that cost as "a small price to pay for a cleaner environment".

To live in one of our "green apartments", please see our listings for 320 Hillivew Place and 514 South Aurora Street.

PPM wins City of Ithaca Pride in Ownership Award

In 2001, Peter Penniman, Jan Klotz and Ed Cope were awarded the City of Ithaca “Pride in Ownership Award” in the commercial category, for their work in restoring the apartment building at 501 North Tioga Street. This award by the City of Ithaca Common Council is made in cooperation with Historic Ithaca, Inc. It is given each year to several property owners who make special efforts to improve their buildings.

The building at 501 North Tioga Street suffered from a major fire in 1999. In restoring the building, property owners Jan Klotz and Ed Cope went to great expense to replace the extensive woodwork throughout the building, and also installed beautiful new kitchens. For more information, please see our apartment listings.

West Seneca Street project nears completion

PPM Homes is currently renovating eleven apartments on West Seneca Street in downtown Ithaca. When complete, the four buildings that are being renovated will “transform that block” of West Seneca Street, according to owner Ed Cope.

Located between Albany and Plain Streets (across from the County Human Services Building), the most impressive building of the four is 324 West Seneca Street. Formerly an abandoned historic structure, PPM has just spent eight months transforming the building into four beautiful apartments. This project will certainly be a candidate for a future award from the City!

The last apartment, just completed in October, is now available for occupancy. It features three bedrooms, two full bathrooms and a laundry area. For more information, please consult our apartment listings.