First look inside renovated apartments at Mark Twain Building in Elmira

ELMIRA, N.Y. (WETM) – Developer Jim Capriotti gave us a tour of the first major renovations inside the former Mark Twain Hotel in 50 years.

“The last time anything material happened in these hallways was 1974,” Capriotti said after taking us up to the 8th floor. He also showed us a model apartment of the completed renovations.

“This one has an exceptional view. This is actually the only apartment in the building that has this view. This is a mid-size one-bedroom unit.” Capriotti said.

“We stripped it to the walls, then we added crown molding. We changed all the door casings. We added wooden baseboards. We put luxury plank vinyl in for flooring. We took out the old kitchens, all new kitchens went in, stainless steel appliances. Every apartment has a laundry unit in it,” Capriotti added.

“This unit is going for $1095. It’s 540 square feet. Rent includes everything except internet. We even include parking in the city garage.”

Capriotti told us every floor also has several studios priced at $895. The building also has some two-bedroom units at under $1500. All 100 unites, however, are currently occupied. Capriotti says most of the renters are LECOM medical students.

Other projects in the building are also moving forward. Capriotti told us he is also renovating the second floor, which used to be the lobby and ballroom of the Mark Twain Hotel. The second floor was transformed into office space by the building’s previous owner. Capriotti also has plans for an outdoor deck and sushi bar on the third floor.

“This will have patio furniture, outdoor heaters,” Capriotti said. “Ultimately our goal is to put a sushi bar inside this apartment where you’ll be able to get your drinks and your sushi and come out here and enjoy this beautiful patio that overlooks Wisner Park.”

Capriotti is also redeveloping several other properties in the downtown area. They include new apartments and a food-court style eatery at the former Iszard’s building next door.

Construction is also moving forward at a new brewery-style arcade bar called “Centertown Social” on the ground floor of the Centertown Parking Garage. It will be next to the Elmira Works Coworking space that’s already open.

Plans are also in the works for a tapas-style restaurant on the ground floor of the garage, and an Italian deli & bakery next to the former Iszard’s department store. A new healthy juice bar called “ The Juice Collective ” recently opened on the corner of Main Street and W Gray Street .

You can watch the full apartment tour below:

In a Facebook post on August 19th, Capriotti Properties said :

“The upper corridors of the Mark Twain Building have officially been pulled out of the 1970s and into the modern era, completing another stage in the painstaking renovation of this iconic downtown building! It’s a world of difference that was made with new lighting, new carpet, and adding classy moldings to celebrate the building’s historic nature. The new corridors reflect the sleek new apartments they lead to, completing the renovation from the eighth floor down to the third floor.”

“Work on the building’s second floor continues to hum along, in addition to new and exciting projects around the ground floor, including the new location of The Juice Collective, LLC . Follow us for updates on our projects around Downtown Elmira, as we still have plenty of exciting things in the works!”

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