Governor Hochul Announces Start of Construction on 164-Unit Affordable and Supportive Housing Development in Downtown Rochester

Center City Courtyard Transforms Parking Lot into Sustainable Affordable Housing Development with On-Site Supportive Services for Vulnerable Populations

Builds on Governor Hochul’s Commitment to Increase Housing Supply Across New York

Complements “Finger Lakes Forward” – The Region’s Comprehensive Strategy to Revitalize Communities and Grow the Economy

Governor Kathy Hochul announced construction has begun on Center City Courtyard in downtown Rochester, an affordable housing development featuring 164 apartments, including 95 units for individuals experiencing or at-risk of homelessness who will have access to on-site supportive services.

“I am committed to increasing the housing supply to ensure that all New Yorkers have a safe, stable, and affordable place to call home,” Governor Hochul said. “Bringing 164 modern homes will not only improve lives and set residents on a path to success, but thanks to the development’s energy-efficient design, we’re also building a stronger, healthier, and greener community for all.”

In the last five years, New York State Homes and Community Renewal has created or preserved over 3,800 affordable homes in Rochester. Center City Courtyard continues this effort and is part of Governor Hochul’s $25 billion comprehensive Housing Plan that will create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes across New York, including 10,000 with support services for vulnerable populations, plus the electrification of an additional 50,000 homes.

Center City Courtyard will be constructed on a surface parking lot on West Main Street in downtown Rochester. The five-story building will include 164 apartments for households earning at or below 80 percent of the Area Median Income.

There will be 95 apartments reserved for households experiencing or at-risk of homelessness, including veterans and individuals reentering the community following a period of incarceration. These residents will have access to on-site supportive services and rental subsidies funded through the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative and administered by the Office of Mental Health. The service providers are Helio Health, the Urban League of Rochester, and Eagle Star Housing.

Center City Courtyard is supported by $902,000 from the Clean Energy Initiative, a partnership between HCR and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority for improved decarbonization scopes of work in affordable housing. The all-electric building, which features a rooftop solar array, will utilize highly efficient air source heat pumps for heating and cooling. Center City Courtyard is expected to receive certifications from the Department of Energy Zero Energy Ready Homes, Enterprise Green Communities 2020 Plus, and Environmental Protection Agency Indoor AirPlus.

Residential amenities will include free Wi-Fi internet, a laundry room, a community room, fitness center, and a landscaped courtyard with seating areas. There will be 68 parking spaces and nearly 3,000 square feet of office space for the supportive service providers.

The developer team is a joint venture between HELPDevCo and CSD Housing, LLC.

State financing for the development includes $3 million in permanent tax-exempt bonds, $30.5 million in Federal Low Income Housing Tax Credits, and $25 million in subsidy from HCR. The New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance is providing nearly $8 million through the Homeless Housing and Assistance Program. OMH will provide $2.3 million in operating funding annually to support 95 ESSHI units. OMH will also provide a one-time program development grant of $235,000. The city of Rochester awarded $1 million in HOME funds.