A $35 million affordable and supportive housing project, Alta Vista, has been completed in downtown Rochester, New York. The development is located next to St. Joseph’s Park and features 76 affordable units. This initiative was part of Rochester’s $10 million award from the New York State Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI).
Governor Kathy Hochul stated, “Bringing renewed life to our downtowns and preserving history while creating safe, stable, affordable housing are among my administration’s top priorities. This new construction of 76 affordable homes next to St. Joseph’s Park compliments other impactful projects we have done in Rochester and the surrounding region. Alta Vista shows what we can do when State agencies, developers and non-profits band together to address the housing crisis and bring affordable housing to communities across New York State.”
The six-story building was constructed on four vacant lots along Franklin, Pleasant, and Andrews streets within the city’s DRI target area. It offers a mix of one- and two-bedroom apartments as well as three townhouse-style units at the rear of the building. The exterior design includes stonework that reflects the preserved walls of St. Joseph’s Church.
All apartments are designated for households earning at or below 70 percent of Area Median Income. Fourteen units provide support services for individuals experiencing homelessness through on-site assistance by YWCA of Rochester and Monroe County. Eight units are accessible for people with mobility disabilities; four more are designed for those with hearing or vision disabilities.
Alta Vista is an all-electric building equipped with a rooftop solar array and aims to meet Passive House Certification standards as well as ENERGY STAR Multifamily New Construction Program goals.
Amenities include free high-speed broadband access throughout common areas, a community room with kitchen facilities, lounges, parking spaces, tenant storage areas, an outdoor patio space, and an indoor children’s play area.
The Ibero-American Development Corporation developed Alta Vista with Edgemere Development serving as consulting developer.
New York State provided financial support through Federal and State Low Income Housing Tax Credits totaling $16.5 million along with nearly $11.8 million in capital subsidies from Homes and Community Renewal (HCR). Additional funding included almost $1.2 million from DRI funds allocated specifically for this project plus another $200,000 dedicated to improvements at St. Joseph’s Park itself.
Other sources included $2.6 million from the Homeless Housing and Assistance Program via the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA), $570,000 from a Clean Energy Initiative led by HCR in partnership with NYSERDA (New York State Energy Research and Development Authority), further NYSERDA support for rooftop solar under NY-Sun programs, Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative funds administered by OTDA for supportive units, HCR project-based rental assistance covering eight units; permanent financing of $1.3 million from Community Preservation Corporation; and HOME funds totaling $1 million awarded by the city of Rochester.
RuthAnne Visnauskas, Commissioner of New York State Homes and Community Renewal said: “Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, New York State is working every day to create and preserve affordable housing while revitalizing our downtowns and neighborhoods…”
Walter T. Mosley, Secretary of State commented: “Alta Vista is exactly the kind of housing investment our downtowns need: affordable, energy-efficient homes where people can easily access jobs…”
Barbara C. Guinn from OTDA added: “We are pleased to partner with Ibero-American Development Corporation… The completion of Alta Vista at St. Joseph’s Park provides some of our most vulnerable New Yorkers who have experienced homelessness with stable…”
Doreen M. Harris from NYSERDA noted: “NYSERDA is proud to have contributed to the transformation… The completion of Alta Vista demonstrates how New York State can integrate modern clean energy…”
Senator Charles Schumer stated: “Every family in Rochester deserves a safe and affordable place to call home…”
Senator Kristen Gillibrand said: “New Yorkers deserve access to affordable housing…”
Representative Joe Morelle remarked: “I am proud to have helped secure funding for this transformational project…”
State Senator Jeremy Cooney said: “Alta Vista at St. Joseph’s Park is coming at the perfect time…”
Assemblymember Demond Meeks added: “Affordable housing is essential for building strong… Projects like Alta Vista not only address our housing crisis but also honor our city’s history…”
Mayor Malik D. Evans commented: “This development shows what it looks like to put people first…”
Monroe County Executive Adam Bello said: “…there is nothing more transformative than safe… Projects like this don’t just build housing — they build lives…”
City Council President Miguel A Melendez Jr., Eugenio Marlin (Ibero-American Development Corporation), Chris Roland (Edgemere Development), Myra Henry (YWCA), Wayne Goodman (Landmark Society), Miriam Zinter (Community Preservation Corporation) also expressed support highlighting collaboration efforts in bringing new homes into use.
Governor Hochul’s administration has focused on increasing access to affordable homes statewide through targeted investments such as her five-year plan aiming for 100,000 new or preserved homes across New York including provisions for vulnerable populations.