Governor Cuomo Announces $9.3 Million Energy-Efficient Affordable Housing Development for Seniors in Hornell
Historic Former Elementary School Redeveloped into 25 Quality, Affordable Homes for SeniorsComplements ‘Southern Tier Soaring’ – Region’s Successful Upstate Revitalization Initiative to Grow Economy and Create New Opportunities
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo recently announced the completion of a $9.3 million
housing development for seniors in the City of Hornell. The project transformed
the former Lincoln Elementary School, a vacant, historic landmark, into
a Lincoln Gardens, a new development of 25 affordable, energy-efficient
apartments for people 55 and older. Four units of the new Lincoln Gardens
are for persons who have physical disabilities or mobility impairment.
This complements Southern Tier Soaring, the Governor’s successful
upstate revitalization initiative to grow the economy and create new opportunities.
"By reimagining a longtime elementary school into a vibrant new development,
we are injecting new life into this historic property, generating tax
revenue for the local community, and are creating sustainable, affordable
housing for seniors in need,"
Governor Cuomo said. "Helping ensure our most vulnerable New Yorkers have access to safe,
decent and affordable housing is one more reason why the Southern Tier
is Soaring."
The 33,000 square-foot building has 25 one- and two-bedroom apartments.
The building features a new roof and energy efficient windows and doors,
an elevator, laundry and community rooms and commercial storage space
in the former gymnasium. It is located near local public transportation
and a nearby hospital. Rents are affordable to households at or below
60 percent of the Area Median Income.
The site, at 373 Canisteo Street, first housed a one-room schoolhouse
built in the mid-19th century. It was destroyed by fire in 1923. A three-story brick building,
designed in the classical revival architectural style, opened the next
year and served as Lincoln Elementary School until 1979. It was repurposed
as office and day care space by a local hospital until 2012. It was placed
on the State and National Registers of Historic Places three years later.
New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas
said, “A classic example of Hornell’s rich history begins a new
chapter as Lincoln Gardens welcomes new residents home. This is one of
many developments across the state that form the foundation of Governor
Cuomo’s new, $20 billion investment to create or preserve 100,000
affordable homes over the next five years and builds on the Governor’s
Southern Tier Soaring initiative that is reinvigorating communities, creating
economic opportunity and improving quality of life for families who live
and work in the region.”
New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Commissioner
Rose Harvey said, “The Lincoln Gardens project is a great example of how underutilized
buildings can be repurposed to create much needed housing, revitalize
communities and preserve local heritage. Investing in historic structures
encourages sustainable neighborhoods and preserves the unique character
of our communities.”
The development team consists of Home Leasing, LLC, of Rochester, the
owner, developer and manager; Edgemere Development, Inc., of Rochester,
consulting developer; Home Leasing Construction, LLC, of Rochester, contractor;
Glasow-Simmons, Architecture of Rochester. National Equity Fund is the
Low Income Housing Tax Credit syndicator.
Funding for the $9.3 million project includes:
- $1,375,000 from the New York State Housing Trust Fund; $511,976 in annual Low Income Housing Tax Credits which leverages about $5.1 million in Low Income Housing Tax Credit equity
- $1.6 million in Federal Historic Tax Credit equity and about $967,000 in New York State Historic Tax Credit equity
- $50,000 from New York State Energy Research and Development Authority
Congressman Tom Reed said, “We owe it to the seniors in our region to provide housing options
that they can afford. This public- private partnership will provide the
necessary funding for these homes and as a result will help strengthen
our communities and provide support for our elderly neighbors.”
Senator Tom O'Mara said, "We’re grateful for this state investment to achieve this exciting
transformation of the Lincoln Elementary School and significantly enhance
affordable senior housing in Hornell. It's going to make an enormous
difference in many lives."
Hornell Mayor Shawn Hogan
said, “One of the highlights of my 32-year tenure as mayor is to see the
rebirth on Lincoln School into a beautiful, affordable and safe place
for our 55 and older residents in our community. We are appreciative to
Home Leasing and New York State for showing confidence in our community.”
Nelson Leenhouts, Chairman and CEO of Home Leasing
said, “Public support is critically important. Mayor Hogan was instrumental
in ensuring the success of Lincoln Gardens to create beautiful housing
for seniors in partnership with New York State. We are so grateful to
be a part of this community.”
Joseph Hagan, President and CEO of National Equity Fund
said, “At National Equity Fund, we believe that extraordinary things happen
when you have great partners and our partnership with Home Leasing demonstrates
that belief to be true. Today we celebrate the adaptive reuse of an historic
building into safe and affordable apartments for Hornell’s senior
population to live and thrive in the community they call home.”
Accelerating Southern Tier Soaring
Today's announcement complements “Southern Tier Soaring the
region’s comprehensive blueprint to generate robust economic growth
and community development. The State has already invested more than $3.1
billion in the region since 2012 to lay for groundwork for the plan –
attracting a talented workforce, growing business and driving innovation.
Today, unemployment is down to the lowest levels since before the Great
Recession; personal and corporate income taxes are down; and businesses
are choosing places like Hornell as a destination in which to grow and invest.
Now, the region is accelerating Southern Tier Soaring with a $500 million
State investment through the Upstate Revitalization Initiative, announced
by Governor Cuomo in December 2015. The State’s $500 million investment
will incentivize private business to invest well over $2.5 billion –
and the region’s plan, as submitted, projects up to 10,200 new jobs.
More information is available
here.