The Center City Courtyard, a $72 million affordable and supportive housing development in downtown Rochester, has been completed. The project was developed by HELPDevCo and CSD Housing, LLC, and provides 164 affordable apartments. Of these, 95 units are designated for veterans and individuals facing homelessness.
Governor Kathy Hochul stated, “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. 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 new five-story building is located on West Main Street on what was previously a parking lot. All apartments are reserved for households earning at or below 80 percent of the Area Median Income. Residents in the supportive units have access to 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, the Urban League of Rochester, and Eagle Star Housing.
Center City Courtyard was constructed as an all-electric facility with energy-efficient features such as a rooftop solar array and high-efficiency air source heat pumps. The design meets criteria set by federal agencies for energy efficiency and indoor air quality.
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 sources for the project included over $30 million from Low-Income Housing Tax Credit equity and $28 million in subsidies from New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR). Additional support came from nearly $8 million provided by the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA), $2.3 million annually from OMH to support ESSHI units along with a one-time grant of $250,000, more than $900,000 through the Clean Energy Initiative partnership between HCR and NYSERDA, and $1 million in HOME funds from the city of Rochester.
RuthAnne Visnauskas, Commissioner of HCR said: “Center City Courtyard exemplifies the transformative power of smart investments in affordable, energy-efficient housing…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 from NYSERDA commented: “The completion of Center City Courtyard is a tremendous achievement for the Rochester community…By investing in projects like this we are expanding opportunities for all New Yorkers to live in healthy…energy efficient homes while revitalizing our neighborhoods.”
Dr. Ann Sullivan from OMH noted: “Supportive housing often plays a critical role in the recovery journey…This affordable housing will provide resources necessary for more Rochester residents to live and thrive in their community.”
Barbara C. Guinn from OTDA said: “Under Governor Hochul’s leadership…the opening of Center City Courtyard provides Monroe County residents experiencing or at risk of homelessness…with stable homes and on-site access to vital support services.”
Senator Chuck Schumer added: “Every family in Rochester deserves a safe and affordable place to call home…I applaud Governor Hochul’s work increasing access to affordable housing in Monroe County…”
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand stated: “Skyrocketing housing costs have put safe…housing out of reach for far too many New Yorkers…The new Center City Courtyard will provide secure housing…while offering much-needed assistance…”
Representative Joe Morelle said: “Safe…housing creates opportunity…We’re investing in new homes that meet needs…fueling growth…and I deeply appreciate Governor Hochul’s leadership…”
Senator Jeremy Cooney remarked: “With homelessness rates rising…the completion…is exactly what…the City…needs…”
Assemblymember Demond Meeks commented: “…transforming a parking lot into 164 affordable homes…shows what’s possible when state…organizations…and community come together…”
County Executive Adam Bello said: “…much-needed affordable housing options…I’m grateful for Governor Hochul’s continued investment…”
Mayor Malik Evans stated: “…affordable…and supportive housing can be just as beautiful…as market-rate developments…when we invest in people we strengthen neighborhoods…”
Michael Dehmler from CSD Housing said:“CSD Housing is deeply committed to working with our non-profit partners to provide quality places for people to call home…”
David Cleghorn from HELP Development Corp noted:“HELP Development Corp. is excited to celebrate…the grand opening…As the largest affordable supportive housing project in Western New York…”
Kathleen Gaffney-Babb from Helio Health stated,“Helio Health is excited to partner with CSD Housing…and HELP Development Corp.…to bring much needed housing…”
Zachary Fuller from Eagle Star Housing added,“Eagle Star Housing is honored to join our dedicated partners—CSD Housing…and Help Development Corp.—in bringing…the project to life…”
According to state officials, under Governor Hochul’s administration more than 5,500 affordable homes have been financed in Monroe County alone—including over 4,300 within Rochester—through initiatives managed by HCR. This aligns with her broader five-year plan aimed at creating or preserving 100,000 affordable residences across New York State.
Recent state budgets have increased funding allocations toward expanding permanent supportive housing options statewide while introducing policies intended both to improve affordability and protect renters’ rights (https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-announces-fy-2025-budget-agreement-includes-landmark-housing-deal). As part of these efforts over 65,000 homes have already been created or preserved throughout New York.
Additionally,the Pro-Housing Community Program allows certified localities exclusive access up to $750 million dollars; currently more than 350 communities—including Rochester—have received certification (https://hcr.ny.gov/pro-housing-community-program).
