One of the most impactful elements of the rehab now underway at the Pines of Perinton is the creation of the first ADA accessible apartment homes, as well as the first units designed for those with hearing and/or visual impairments, in the community’s 52-year history.
Built between 1972 and 1976, the 508 units at the Pines were constructed and occupied well before the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law in 1990. During its lifespan, the property received limited upgrades and minimal repairs until WinnCompanies closed on construction financing in 2023.
The creation of these types of apartments is a priority during the ongoing renovations, with 26 units set to be converted into accessible housing for people with physical disabilities, as required by New York State law, by the time the project is completed in the fall of 2025.
As of today, a total of seven ADA-compliant apartments have been created, with four of them included in the newly built units that replaced the units destroyed by fire in 2022. Seven more are under construction with an additional 12 units forthcoming.
Accessibility features associated with these ADA-compliant units include ramps and railings, wider hallways and door openings, reconfigured light switches, electrical outlets and thermostats, bathroom grab bars, and lower sinks and counter tops in kitchen and bathrooms.
To make the property itself more accommodating for the disabled, sidewalk curb cuts, laundry rooms, parking spaces, mailbox podiums and dumpster pads are all being revamped to meet regulatory requirements.
In addition, the rehab work will create 10 adaptive apartments to serve individuals with audio and/or visual impairments. Renovations in the Community Building and Leasing Office will make those facilities accessible for all as well.
We’re excited to be able to deliver new accessible and adaptive apartments for individuals with disabilities and sensory impairments as part of a $65 million scope of work that includes replacing “end-of-life-cycle” kitchens and bathrooms, halting water infiltration, installing energy efficient windows, upgrading mechanical systems, replacing the roofs on all buildings, and beautifying building exteriors.