Developer outlines 71‑unit Congress Street renovation; board declares lead agency and sets hearing

Joe Pernichero, representing Redburn Development and RDC Troy Holdings, presented a proposal to renovate the former Russell Sage dormitory at 39–45 Congress Street into 71 apartments with a sprinkler upgrade and interior conversion. "We're gonna access historic tax credits," Pernichero told the board, noting that the building has been submitted to SHIPO and MPS for historic review.

Pernichero said the project will not alter the building exterior or the site footprint; the building takes up the full lot and the applicant does not propose off‑street parking. He described apartment layouts that combine two former dorm rooms into one apartment on upper floors and conventional fit‑outs on lower levels; the team plans interior trash rooms and third‑party hauling, abundant bike storage and a small roof deck.

Board members and staff probed technical and code issues, raising questions about egress, glass‑block windows, potential building‑department requirements for sprinklers and other code compliance, and whether unit sizes meet local minimums or will require variances. Pernichero said he expects to close on the building and begin renovations early in the new year, contingent on approvals.

The board moved to declare the Planning Board lead agency for environmental review, then debated whether a Complete Streets form submitted the same day could be considered; after applicant and staff explanation, the board voted to deem the application complete and scheduled a Jan. 21 hearing. Staff asked the applicant to provide a list of involved agencies for required notices. Detailed code and fire‑safety reviews will occur during building‑department plan review.