SCHENECTADY, N.Y. – Governor Hochul today announced state and federal housing grants and tax credits that will help transform the former Elmer Avenue School into Elmer Gardens, a senior housing complex. Better Community Neighborhoods Inc. (BCNI) and Home Leasing, the Rochester-based affordable housing developer/manager, will lead the development project.
The school, built in 1905, is listed on both the NYS and Federal Historic Registers. The project will utilize historic tax credits. A new wing was added in 1968.
Plans call for a major renovation of the 54,136 square foot historic schoolhouse into 51 senior apartments. Total project cost is $22.7 million. Planned amenities include a community room, fitness center, interior bicycle storage, raised garden beds, on-site management offices and on-site parking for residents.
The project offers a unique opportunity to renovate the existing vacant building while maintaining the residential character of the surrounding neighborhood and the historical significance of the building. Extensive outreach was done in the neighborhood prior to the start of local and state approvals.
The Schenectady City School District will receive $450,000 upon closing of the transaction later this summer. The sale of the school was approved by City residents in a referendum that demonstrated strong public support for the project.
The City of Schenectady is providing $236,000 and Schenectady County is providing $200,000 toward renovation costs.
Statement by Gary Hughes, Majority Leader of the Schenectady County Legislature:
“Governor Hochul’s announcement today that Schenectady County will receive one of 16 Statewide housing awards culminates a multi-year effort by our unified economic development team to restore the historic Elmer Avenue School netting City taxpayers $450,000 from the sale of the building, bringing a $22 million construction project to Schenectady County that will further boost the Eastern Avenue neighborhood, and creating high quality yet affordable housing for seniors. We thank Home Leasing and BCNI, our partners at the City, and the entire team that has worked together to bring yet another positive development to our community.”
Statement by Gary McCarthy, Mayor of Schenectady:
“We thank Governor Hochul for this critical support that makes possible our efforts to renovate the Elmer Avenue School and create the new Elmer Gardens senior housing development. We have worked on this project for several years and it was not easy to put together, but today is a recognition that our team, with the Governor’s support, has once again been successful.”
Statement by Bret Garwood, CEO, Home Leasing:
“Home Leasing is honored and excited to partner again with BCNI to transform and bring this beautiful historic school back to life to provide much needed affordable housing for seniors in Schenectady. Thank you to all the local and state partners, including New York State Homes and Community Renewal, Schenectady County, the City of Schenectady and Metroplex.”
Statement by Jennica Huff, CEO, BCNI:
“The funding of Elmer Gardens represents a meaningful opportunity to create affordable housing for seniors in our community. This development will continue the work being done by BCNI across Schenectady to create quality housing that build resilient neighborhoods where all people can flourish. Many thanks to our partners, including all departments at NYS Homes and Community Renewal.”