Finally, Michael Integlia is ready to dig into the development that could be the keystone to the long-envisioned Warwick City Centre.

Within the month, Integlia plans to hold the groundbreaking for Skye City Centre, a $130-million, four-story , 297-unit apartment complex designed around two courtyards.

“The time has come; we’re moving ahead with this project,” Integlia said Friday. Soon after acquiring the former Leviton Manufacturing Co. property 11 years ago, Integlia subdivided it. Dean Warehouse, which occupied the southern end of the former manufacturing operation, expanded and was separated from the rest of the mill. A solar farm now occupies much of the low-lying land that was contaminated by the Leviton operations. And a complex of 19 single-family, free-standing condo houses and 56 townhouse condominiums is in the final stages of construction on Kilvert Street by Robert Lamoureux of Great Point Group.

Integlia had the vision of developing the heart of Leviton, the Elizabeth Mill built in 1875 by  industrialist Thomas Jefferson and named for his wife,  into a combination residential, retail and office space. He was not committed to preserving the brick mill building and its iconic tower that rivaled the height of the Interlink garage and station connecting to Green Airport across Jefferson Boulevard, although he was pressured to do so by local conservationists.  The building was razed about 10 years ago.

Two years ago, Integlia advanced the plan for City Skye Centre. It gained city approvals and it looked like a go. But the timing wasn’t right. Inflation was rampant and supply chains were creaking.

Integlia has teamed up with two major apartment developers, LeCesse Development Corporation of Orlando, Florida, and United Group of Troy, New York. Between them, Integlia said, they have developed 50,000 apartment units. Integlia will act as the commercial developer to oversee the buildout of 30,000 square feet of the complex that will include a 120-seat restaurant and small full-service market.

“Millennials” is the word Integlia uses frequently in describing the clientele of the development.  And, indeed, Skye City Centre appears to be tailor-made for young singles and couples in good-paying jobs and on the move. He describes the one- and two-bedroom apartments, about equally divided, as “upscale.” They will all have a den and one and a half baths (two baths in the larger units) plus access to wide range of amenities including an indoor dog run, gym, conference and office rooms, golf simulator rooms and a fitness center. The entire development will be Wi-Fi-connected, meaning tenants will not need to buy internet service. About half the units will have balconies.

Overall the complex designed by Five G Studio Collaborate from Dallas will have a lot of natural light and have a “fresh outdoor” feel, says Integlia.  The courtyard that will be divided into active and passive sections will have a swimming pool and “resort style” area with grilling stations and outdoor games.

What won’t be visible is a sea of automobiles. Planned is a nearly 500-car parking garage with charging stations along the rear north end of development.

Apartment rental rates will range from the low- and mid-$2,000 a month to the low $4,000 for the larger two-bedroom units.

Callahan Construction of Bridgewater, Massachusetts, has been selected as the general contractor. Integlia said a closing on the construction loan will be held March 28. He estimated it would take two years to build the project, which he said would not have been possible without the tax stabilization program provided in the City Centre Intermodal zoning. The provision provides for the undeveloped assessment of the property to be used for first five years in determining city taxes and then for the current value of the development to be phased in over a period of 10 years.

Seen as key in attracting tenants is the central Rhode Island location of the development and its easy access to Route 95, MBTA service from the Interlink and connection to Green Airport.  The proximity to Boston and New York is seen as a significant attraction.   

Asked if he thought tariffs would seriously impact the project, Integlia replied, “I hope not  … I hope it’s almost all posturing and bluster.”