Buffalo School Converted to Affordable Housing

July 16, 2024

Affordable Housing Development News Northeast

The historic property had been underutilized for three decades prior to the redevelopment.

A joint venture between Community Services for Every1 and Edgemere Development has officially opened Apartments at the Lyceum, a $23.6 million redevelopment comprising 42 affordable units in Buffalo, N.Y.

Hamilton Stern acted as general contractor, while Carmina Wood Design provided architectural services. The venture targeted Saint John Kanty Lyceum, a former historic school that measured 57,870 square feet. Additionally, 10 adjacent lots were purchased to expand the overall footprint of the property.

Underutilized for three decades, the property’s renovation and conversion called for the repurposing of the classrooms and offices into affordable multifamily units. Furthermore, the lyceum’s former cafeteria, kitchen and activity room were refurbished to include a 7,600-square-foot community room.

Apartments are reserved for individuals earning a maximum of 60 and 50 percent of the area median income. Moreover, Section 8 Rental Assistance vouchers are accepted. The monthly advertised asking rental rates range between $618 and $941.

Floorplans encompass studio, one- and two-bedroom units, with five being fully accessible for residents with mobility limitations and two units accessible for residents with hearing or visual impairments. Additionally, 12 units are set aside for survivors of domestic violence.

Designed to meet the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority’s New Construction Housing Program, Apartments at the Lyceum features energy-efficient elements including increased insulation, low-flow plumbing fixtures, as well as EV charging stations, among others.

Further services include recreational and leisure opportunities, such as health eating education and culinary arts classes, as well as pre-vocational job readiness training provided by CSE1. Moreover, independent living assistance is also available.

Located at 97 Swinburne St., Apartments at the Lyceum is less than 3 miles from downtown Buffalo. Within walking distance, residents can access several transit stops and parks. More than 1 mile away, the Iron Island Museum features various events.

School-to-multifamily redevelopment

The adaptive reuse project is the first Clean Energy Initiative development to reach completion. A collaboration between New York State Homes and Community Renewal and NYSERDA, the CEI program aims to place current and future affordable housing projects within the criteria of New York State’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act.

The Climate Act mandates an 85 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, compared to New York State’s 1990 carbon emission levels. To help achieve this goal, CEI provides direct fund injection and technical support for clean energy affordable housing projects.

Funding for the project included:

$2.5 million from the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance’s Homeless Housing and Assistance Program
$8 million in LIHTC equity by HCR
$3.6 million in subsidy from HCR’s Housing Trust Fund
$250,000 from HCR’s Community Investment Fund
$7 million in Federal and State Historic Rehabilitation Tax credits equity by The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation
$525,000 from HCR and NYSERDA’s CEI funding
$750,000 from The City of Buffalo’s HOME funds
$500,000 from Empire State Development’s Better Buffalo Fund.