Local developer embraces net-zero emissions for downtown building renovation
A Syracuse-area developer doesn’t need Earth Day to be more conscious of our resources. President of Goodfellow Development and Construction Management, Tom Goodfellow decided years ago he wanted to make his renovation of the Whitlock Building downtown carbon free. He said it’s the first downtown renovation that uses no fossil fuels.
“We have our gas meter on display that we took out. We’re completely electric. We’re going to be installing solar panels this summer. Our apartments are well-insulated and very energy efficient.”
The building on South Salina Street is adjacent to the new Salt City Market. Goodfellow said high efficiency heat pumps provide heating and cooling.
“We’re not burning any fossil fuels to heat the building itself. We’re buying our electricity through a program with National Grid, and we get it from renewable sources.”
He said none of the upgrades were cost prohibitive, and he hasn’t pursued incentives to go carbon free. Goodfellow bought the building in 2014, not knowing what the future might bring for the former furniture warehouse. The main floor now serves as a manufacturing facility for a billion dollar homegrown tech firm called Density, and the upper floors consist of 26 apartments, all of which are leased.
“We hoped. We hoped a lot. We threw a lot of dice on the table hoping it would come up sixes. It’s worked out very well right now. My hair turned gray because I worried.”
Goodfellow’s next project is pushing the owner of the historic 12 story Chimes building down the block to go carbon free.