The Gem

The Gem is a three-story, ten-unit apartment building located in the heart of Ithaca’s Collegetown district. Designed by HOLT Architects for Visum Development, the project replaces a two-story residence and garage with a contemporary, context-sensitive residential building that emphasizes modern design while respecting the character of the surrounding neighborhood.

The building is sited on a sloped corner lot at Linden Avenue and Bool Street, integrating into the topography to reduce perceived scale while maximizing daylight and views. Its design balances clean, modern lines with materials and proportions that resonate with Collegetown’s traditional residential fabric. The result is a distinctive, yet contextual, addition to the neighborhood that provides much-needed housing near Cornell University.

• Entrances & Circulation A monumental stair and landscaped ramp from Linden Avenue create a welcoming public interface, framed with a wood trellis and complemented by lighting that enhances wayfinding and safety.

• Massing & Rhythm The façade is broken into bays with alternating horizontal and vertical siding, providing cadence and reducing the scale of the building. Projected bays and recessed entries add depth, shadow, and visual interest.

• Materials Durable, high-quality materials—including fiber cement siding, manufactured stone, anodized aluminum railings, and Pennsylvania bluestone—convey warmth and longevity while complementing the neighborhood palette.

• Windows & Light Residential-scaled window groupings differentiate public living spaces from private bedrooms. Recessed and bay windows introduce depth, natural light, and articulation across the façades.

• Outdoor Spaces A landscaped backyard with stone seating areas offers residents a shared open space, while new street trees and plantings soften the building edge at both street frontages.