Fire-ravaged building’s renovation nearly done

2019 blaze during refit caused $10M damage to Troy apartment site

The $15 million conversion of the historic Searle Gardner Cuff and Collar factory was nearly complete when flames broke out on an upper floor on July 19, 2019. Firefighters were able to extinguish the flames and save the historic structure, but it nevertheless suffered as much as $10 million in damage.

Redburn Development Partners and PAZ Management spent months clearing the damage and resuming construction, and on Thursday announced that the restoration is nearly complete. The 98,000-squarefoot structure that in later years housed the Marshall Ray clothing business has been converted to 77 one- and two-bedroom apartments with hardwood floors, large windows offering views of the Hudson River, and a rooftop deck.

A gym, dog wash and game room also are among the amenities, as is access to the nearby Ingalls Avenue boat launch. Rents start at $985 a month.

Commercial tenants — Stonewall Defense, Michelle Lange Photography, Massive Mesh Internet and Redburn Property Services — occupy four of the five available retail spaces.

Redburn is no stranger to the North Central neighborhood. Earlier, the company converted the former School One into apartments. Meanwhile, other developers have renovated two factory buildings farther south along River Street into apartments.

Apartments are being leased with move-in dates starting May 1. A model apartment has been completed, and prearranged tours of the building are available.

“We committed on the night of the fire to get the property rebuilt,” said Jacob Reckess of PAZ Management, “and we are proud to be delivering on that mission and bringing 701 River Street back to life.”