The Arbors at Penfield

Atlantic Avenue and Nine Mile Point Road, Penfield, Monroe County, NY

Client: Whitestone Development Partners
Construction Completion: On going

Project Services: Boundary Survey, Topographic Survey, Civil Engineering, Landscape Architecture, Utility Coordination, Highway Design, Municipal & Agency Approvals, SWPPP Inspection, Construction Stakeout, Stormwater Management, Construction Documentation and Observation

Project Background

The Challenge: Navigating Complex Zoning Changes and Multi-Phase development

When Costich Engineering first stepped onto the 25-acre parcel at 1600 Fairport Nine Mile Point Road in 2018, we faced an exciting challenge: transforming raw land into what would become The Arbors at Penfield, a modern, pedestrian-friendly residential community.

Phase 1: Establishing the Foundation (2018)

Our journey began with comprehensive boundary and topographic surveying of the entire 25-acre site. This critical first step established accurate existing conditions that would serve as the foundation for all future planning and feasibility studies. Understanding the terrain, natural drainage patterns, and property boundaries was essential for creating a development that works harmoniously with the existing landscape.

Adapting to Change: Mixed-Use Designation and Regulatory Compliance

As the project evolved, the Town of Penfield adopted a mixed-use designation for the site, requiring our team to pivot quickly. This regulatory change presented both challenges and opportunities, demanding detailed updates to our site plans, documentation, and deliverables. Our expertise in navigating complex zoning requirements ensured the project maintained compliance while optimizing design efficiency.

Key adaptation strategies included:

Comprehensive site plan revisions to align with new mixed-use zoning
Updated documentation packages for regulatory approval
Design modifications that enhanced rather than hindered project goals
Stakeholder coordination to maintain project momentum

Engineering Excellence: Multi-Disciplinary Services in Action

The Arbors at Penfield showcases our full range of engineering capabilities:

Civil Engineering Design: Creating efficient infrastructure systems that support modern residential living while respecting environmental considerations.

Utility Coordination: Seamlessly integrating water, sewer, electrical, and telecommunications systems throughout the development.

Highway Design: Developing safe, accessible roadways that connect the community to existing transportation networks.

Landscape Architecture: Designing green spaces and pedestrian amenities that enhance quality of life and community connectivity.

Construction Support: Precision and Coordination

During active construction, our team provides ongoing support through:

Precise building stakeouts with double offsets for horizontal and vertical control
Stormwater management design ensuring environmental compliance and flood protection
Site coordination services keeping the project on schedule and within budget
Quality assurance throughout all construction phases

The Result: A Modern, Pedestrian-Friendly Community

The Arbors at Penfield represents more than just residential development—it’s a thoughtfully planned community that balances modern amenities with environmental stewardship. Our comprehensive approach, from initial surveying through active construction support, demonstrates how multi-disciplinary engineering expertise creates lasting value for developers, residents, and the broader Penfield community.

Gallery

Aerial photo of construction site with machinery grading large open fields for residential development — Crews continue site preparation at the Arbors at Penfield, grading land to support roadways, utilities, and green space.

Aerial view of construction site with grading equipment, utility materials, and cleared land for development — Construction crews prepare the Arbors at Penfield site with grading, utility staging, and roadway alignment.

Aerial view of construction site with stormwater pond, grading, and utility trenching in progress — Site development at the Arbors at Penfield advances with stormwater management features and utility trenching.

Modern mixed-use building with ground-floor commercial space and upper-level apartments — The Arbors at Penfield features modern mixed-use buildings that combine street-level commercial space with upper-level apartments.

Mixed-use building with commercial storefronts on the ground floor and apartments above — A modern mixed-use building at the Arbors at Penfield combines retail storefronts below with apartments above, supporting a walkable design.

Alt Text: Mixed-use building with storefront windows below and apartments above, framed by new landscaping — At the Arbors at Penfield, mixed-use buildings bring together commercial storefronts and upper-level residences in a walkable setting.

Street-facing view of mixed-use buildings with storefronts below and apartments above — The Arbors at Penfield’s mixed-use buildings include street-facing storefronts with upper-level apartments, supporting an accessible design.

Ground-level view of mixed-use building with storefront windows, landscaped walkway, and apartments above — A closer look at the Arbors at Penfield’s mixed-use design shows retail-ready storefronts framed by landscaped walkways.

Landscaped walkway with columned breezeway connecting mixed-use buildings at Arbors at Penfield — A landscaped walkway and columned breezeway connect mixed-use buildings at the Arbors at Penfield, enhancing pedestrian access.

Side view of landscaped walkway with young trees and columned breezeway beside a mixed-use building — At the Arbors at Penfield, landscaped pedestrian paths and breezeways connect mixed-use buildings for improved walkability.

Side view of mixed-use building with storefront windows and upper-level apartments — The Arbors at Penfield’s mixed-use buildings feature ground-floor commercial space with apartments above, designed for walkable living.

Corner view of mixed-use building with red and tan siding, storefront windows, and apartments above — A corner perspective of the Arbors at Penfield’s mixed-use building shows the integration of commercial and residential space.

Corner view of mixed-use building with storefront windows on the first floor and apartments above Title: Second Mixed-Use Building — The Arbors at Penfield includes multiple mixed-use buildings, each designed to integrate commercial storefronts with upper-level apartments.

Side view of mixed-use building with storefront windows, brick accents, and apartments above — This mixed-use building at the Arbors at Penfield provides commercial space at street level with apartments above, enhancing walkability.

Rear view of mixed-use building with storefront windows below and apartments above — The second mixed-use building at the Arbors at Penfield combines commercial and residential uses in a modern, accessible design.

Four-story residential building with balconies, large windows, and stone-accented ground level — A centerpiece of the Arbors at Penfield, this multi-story residential building provides modern living spaces within the community.

Multi-story residential building with balconies, garages on the ground level, and paved parking area Title: Residential Building with Garages — At the Arbors at Penfield, large residential buildings combine modern apartments with integrated garage space for convenience.

Residential Garage Building — Supporting the large residential buildings at the Arbors at Penfield, garage units provide residents with secure, convenient parking.

White community center with pitched roof, columned entry, and landscaped walkway in front — The community center at the Arbors at Penfield offers residents amenities including a pool, fitness center, and shared gathering spaces.

Community center with white siding, black roof, and covered porch with columned entry — The Arbors at Penfield’s community center provides residents with recreation, fitness, and shared amenities in a central hub.

Side view of community center with pergola entry and landscaped walkway — The Arbors at Penfield’s community center features welcoming walkways and a pergola entry that connect residents to shared amenities.

Side view of community center with covered porch, outdoor seating, and stairs leading to rear patio — The Arbors at Penfield community center extends into outdoor gathering areas, with porches and patios overlooking landscaped grounds.

Rear elevation of community center with covered porch, outdoor seating, and stair access to lower patio — The community center’s rear elevation extends amenities outdoors with porches, seating, and direct access to recreation spaces.

Rear of community center with pool, lounge seating, and landscaped patio area — The Arbors at Penfield community center opens to a pool and landscaped outdoor lounge, extending recreation and relaxation into the open air.

Rear view of community center with two-story porch, outdoor seating, and landscaped patio — The community center features a two-story porch with outdoor seating and landscaped gathering spaces designed for recreation and social events.

Rear of community center with fenced pool, lounge chairs, and landscaped grounds — The Arbors at Penfield community center overlooks a pool and landscaped leisure area, designed to bring residents together outdoors.

Community center with pool and fenced lounge area viewed from open lawn — A rear-side angle of the Arbors at Penfield community center highlights the pool deck, lounge seating, and open landscaped grounds.

Front entrance of the community center with columned pergola and landscaped approach — The main entrance to the Arbors at Penfield community center features a welcoming pergola, landscaped approach, and ample space for resident access.

Learn more about Arbors at Penfield