Iona College Receives New Rochelle Planning Board Approval for New Multi-Use Building

Iona College recently received special permit and site plan approval for a new residence hall/multi-use building on North Avenue in New Rochelle, the school announced Wednesday.

The new building will be across the street from the campus’ main entrance and ”will be styled to reflect a ’modern Iona’ with a vibrant streetscape and design complementary to nearby College and community structures.”

A total of 310 students will live in the six upper floors of the structure, and a taxable retail and restaurant space will rest on the first floor. Proposals for retail partners are being solicited through the college’s broker, Scarsdale-based Goldschmidt & Associates, the school said.

The former Mirage Diner is being torn down to make room for the new project, which Iona President Dr. Joseph Nyre said is not only an important step for the school and its students but also for the community.

“We are working hard to be good neighbors to our good neighbors and are pleased to support the revitalization of North Avenue,”said Nyre in a statement.

From a school press release about the project:

Additional investments in North Avenue were also introduced by the College. Iona supports many of the vendors on North Avenue by including them in the College meal plan program. The College recently invested funds to assist the City in making roadway improvements in the vicinity of the College as well as replacing awnings down North Avenue. Enhancements to traffic and pedestrian access intended to manage traffic flow and safety across North Avenue will be provided as conditions of approval for the new building. In addition, directional changes and signage along White Oak Street will direct traffic flow back to North Avenue to minimize impact on residential streets.

Demolition Schedule

Demolition of the Mirage Diner began on Feb. 15, 2015 with the main structure to be removed on Feb. 19. Additional changes are being implemented to maintain safety during demolition and construction.

1. Traffic will restricted from the parking lane on North Avenue in the immediate vicinity of the Diner site.

2. The sidewalk will be relocated into the parking lane and lined with Jersey barriers for pedestrian safety. This altered pedestrian walkway will be in place through construction.

3. Permanent fencing and perimeter lighting will be installed to secure the site during the construction period.

4. The bus stop at North Avenue and Summit Avenue will be discontinued during demolition and construction. Nearby stops at the High School and near Dunkin Donuts should be used until further notice.

Community Planning Process

In addition to engaging the student body in the planning process, the College worked with the Planning Board, the City’s professional staff, neighbors and community leaders, as well as faculty and staff.

A dedicated webpage (www.iona.edu/NorthAveResHall<http://www.iona.edu/NorthAveResHall>) and hotline (914-633-2318) are available to keep the public informed about the latest status of the project. Questions can be directed to Lisa Davis, North Avenue Residence Hall Spokesperson at ldavis@iona.edu<mailto:ldavis@iona.edu> or 914-633-2318.

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