Art-Oriented Affordable Housing Opens in Upstate New York
The 123-unit community has 40 apartments set aside for young individuals aging out of foster care programs.
Ithaca Arthaus. Image courtesy of the New York Governor’s press office
The Vecino Group has completed Ithaca Arthaus, a 123-unit affordable housing community in Ithaca, N.Y. The $32 million development caters mainly to artists and at-risk youth.
The project received financing from various sources. State funds included $4.8 million in permanent tax-exempt bonds, federal LIHTC which generated $10.9 million in equity, as well as $14 million in subsidy from New York State Homes and Community Renewal.
Ithaca Arthaus is part of Governor Kathy Hochul’s strategy for more affordable housing; she recently secured a $25 billion, five-year housing plan that aims to create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes across New York. This month, Gov. Hochul announced the completion of another Upstate New York affordable community—the 157-unit Skyview Park Apartments in Irondequoit, N.Y.
An art-oriented affordable community
The property comprises studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments in a five-story building. All units cater to families and individuals earning between 50 and 80 percent of the area median income; in addition, 40 units are set aside for young individuals aging out of foster care programs. Amenities include a fitness room, community room and playground, as well as indoor bike storage.
The community’s ground floor has two spaces for residents to perform art- and theater-related activities, with assistance from Cherry Arts Inc. The Cherry gallery will house exhibitions and salon-style showings of music, multimedia and performance art, while The Cherry Studio will serve as a gathering and rehearsal space for workshops and group activities.
Located at 130 Cherry St., Ithaca Arthaus is less than 2 miles southwest of downtown Ithaca within the newly formed Cherry Street District. A Walmart Superstore is available 1 mile south of the property, while several other dining, retail and entertainment options are within a 1-mile radius. Buttermilk Falls State Park is some 2 miles southwest.
