A new affordable and supportive housing development, Center City Courtyard, has been completed in downtown Rochester. The $72 million project brings 164 affordable apartments to the area, with 95 units offering supportive services for veterans and individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness. The development was led by HELPDevCo and CSD Housing, LLC.
Governor Kathy Hochul highlighted the importance of the project in addressing housing needs across New York State. “Center City Courtyard is a shining example of how we can transform underutilized spaces into vibrant, sustainable developments that provide safe, affordable homes for working families and supportive services for those at risk of homelessness, including our veterans,” Governor Hochul said. “I’m proud of the partnerships that made this possible and am committed to building even more housing that replicates opportunities like this across New York.”
The five-story building was constructed on a former parking lot on West Main Street. All apartments are designated as affordable for households earning at or below 80 percent of the Area Median Income. Residents in the 95 supportive units will receive on-site services funded through the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative (ESSHI), administered by the New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH). Service providers include Helio Health, Urban League of Rochester, and Eagle Star Housing.
The building is designed to be all-electric and energy-efficient, meeting standards set by several federal agencies such as the U.S. Department of Energy Zero Energy Ready Homes program. Features include a rooftop solar array and efficient air source heat pumps.
Amenities offered to residents include free internet access, a fitness center, a fifth-floor terrace, landscaped courtyard seating areas, and nearly 3,000 square feet of office space for service providers.
Funding for Center City Courtyard came from multiple sources: over $30 million in equity from state and federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Programs; $28 million from HCR subsidy; nearly $8 million from the Homeless Housing and Assistance Program via OTDA; $2.3 million annually from OMH to support ESSHI units plus a one-time grant; more than $900,000 through the Clean Energy Initiative (a partnership between HCR and NYSERDA); and $1 million in HOME funds provided by Rochester.
RuthAnne Visnauskas, Commissioner of New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR), stated: “Center City Courtyard exemplifies the transformative power of smart investments in affordable, energy-efficient housing, turning a vacant parking lot into 164 modern homes that provide stability for working families and critical supportive services for those at risk of homelessness, including our veterans. Through HCR’s financing of nearly $60 million alongside partnerships with OMH, OTDA and NYSERDA, we’re not only advancing Governor Hochul’s $25 billion Housing Plan — on pace to deliver 100,000 affordable homes statewide — but are also building on Rochester’s continued revitalization.”
Doreen M. Harris, President & CEO of NYSERDA said: “The completion of Center City Courtyard is a tremendous achievement for the Rochester community and sets a great example for clean, modern housing that is affordable for residents. By investing in projects like this, we are expanding opportunities for all New Yorkers to live in healthy, comfortable, and energy efficient homes while revitalizing our neighborhoods and cities.”
Dr. Ann Sullivan from OMH commented: “Supportive housing often plays a critical role in the recovery journey of New Yorkers living with mental illness. Center City Courtyard marks the transformation of a parking lot into dozens of much-needed supportive housing units that offer vital services for residents facing the threat of homelessness. This affordable housing will provide the resources and support necessary for more Rochester residents to live and thrive in their community. Projects like this affirm Governor Hochul’s commitment to expanding access to services and support for vulnerable New Yorkers during their recovery.”
Barbara C. Guinn from OTDA added: “Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, New York State has made landmark investments to expand the supply of permanent supportive housing options across the state… The opening of Center City Courtyard in downtown Rochester provides Monroe County residents experiencing or at risk of homelessness…with stable, affordable homes and on-site access to vital support services that will help them remain housed…”
Senator Chuck Schumer noted his role supporting federal tax credits used in funding: “Every family in Rochester deserves a safe and affordable place to call home…I’m proud that the federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit that I worked hard to protect…has delivered millions…” He also commended Governor Hochul’s work increasing access to affordable housing.
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand stated: “Skyrocketing housing costs have put safe…housing out of reach…The new Center City Courtyard will provide secure housing…while offering much-needed assistance…” She expressed ongoing support for similar investments.
Representative Joe Morelle acknowledged local benefits: “Safe…housing creates opportunity…We’re investing in new homes that meet needs…fueling growth…” He thanked Governor Hochul’s leadership.
Other local officials—including Senator Jeremy Cooney; Assemblymember Demond Meeks; County Executive Adam Bello; Mayor Malik Evans—praised both state involvement and local impact regarding affordability efforts.
Michael Dehmler (CSD Housing) called it an “incredible partnership,” noting its significance as one “of the largest supportive housing projects” statewide located locally.
David Cleghorn (HELP Development Corp) described it as “the largest affordable supportive housing project” regionally.
Kathleen Gaffney-Babb (Helio Health) emphasized collaboration among partners welcoming future residents.
Zachary Fuller (Eagle Star Housing) highlighted gratitude toward state leaders’ focus on expanding access through such initiatives.
Governor Hochul’s broader agenda includes recent budget measures securing increased funding—over $1.5 billion—for new programs aimed at improving affordability statewide along with her five-year plan targeting creation or preservation of 100,000 affordable homes, including thousands reserved specifically with support services built-in.
