August 30, 2022
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that construction has begun on the $14 million adaptive re-use of the Bryant School in the city of Hornell in Steuben County. When complete, the former elementary school will feature 39 affordable apartments in an energy-efficient building.
"Making affordable homes available to more families will enable Hornell to grow and unlock the opportunities provided by continued investment in the community," Governor Hochul said. "Developments like Bryant School Apartments are a critical component of my administration's $25 billion plan to provide safe, energy-efficient affordable housing in communities across New York. We will continue working tirelessly to expand much-needed affordable housing - helping us build toward a more stable and equitable future for the next generation."
The redevelopment of the Bryant School complements Governor Hochul's plan to make housing across New York State more affordable, equitable, and stable. In the FY 2023 State Budget, the Governor introduced and successfully secured a new $25 billion, five-year, comprehensive housing plan that will increase housing supply by creating or preserving 100,000 affordable homes across New York including 10,000 with support services for vulnerable populations, plus the electrification of an additional 50,000 homes.
The Bryant School opened in the mid-20th century and was operating as an elementary school for 2nd and 3rd graders until it closed at the conclusion of the 2020-21 school year when the Hornell City School District streamlined elementary education to reduce the number of school transitions.
The gut rehabilitation will utilize the Bryant School's existing two-story, 50,000 square foot masonry building, and will also include an 8,500 square-foot addition at the south end of the site with eight apartments.
Located at 173 Terry Street, the Bryant School Apartments will consist of two studio, 23 one-bedroom, and 14 two-bedroom apartments. Twenty of the apartments will be affordable to households earning at or below 50 percent of the Area Median Income, with the remaining 19 apartments affordable to those at or below 60 percent of the AMI. Residents will be provided with free high-speed broadband internet.
The development will retain the Bryant School's existing playground and fenced-in greenspace with matured trees, which have been enjoyed by generations of Hornell's children, while adding modern amenities including a fitness center and laundry rooms on each floor.
The project will increase energy efficiency and the completed development will meet the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority's New Construction Housing Program and 2020 Enterprise Green Communities requirements.
The development will complement $10 million in investment in the city's nearby downtown by the State's Downtown Revitalization Initiative. The Bryant School's re-use will help Hornell meet a significant need for workforce housing, following a 2016 study which indicated that the city would need hundreds of affordable homes to meet increased demand as the result of extensive public and corporate investment in the city.
The Bryant School is in a walkable neighborhood with sidewalks and is adjacent to a Hornell Area Transit bus stop, providing residents access to the area community.
The project was developed by Providence Housing Development Corporation and Park Grove Development, LLC.
State investment in the Bryant School includes Federal and State Low-Income Housing Tax Credits that generated $9.7 million in equity, a $3.5 million in subsidy from the New York State Homes and Community Renewal. NYSERDA will provide $39,000 in support.
Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, "The re-use of the Bryant School will preserve a building which holds cherished memories for generations of Hornell families, while creating affordable apartments for 39 households in a growing city with an urgent need for workforce housing. This community-oriented development illustrates Governor Hochul's commitment to meeting the need for affordable homes in all corners of the State. We thank the Providence Housing Development Corporation, Park Grove Development, local leaders, and our partners at NYSERDA for their work in making this development a reality."
New York State Energy Research and Development Authority President and CEO Doreen M. Harris said, "Affordable, energy-efficient housing goes hand in hand with community revitalization, and the re-use of the Bryant School will certainly provide safe and healthy living for residents in Hornell. NYSERDA is excited to see this project begin, as it is another example of how Governor Hochul's commitment to ensure equitable housing for more New Yorkers is being carried out in communities all over New York State."
Hornell Mayor John J. Buckley said, "I would like to commend Park Grove Development for this project and their continued investment in the City of Hornell. As our local economy continues to grow, there is more pressure than ever to provide affordable housing options within the city. This project does just that and will transform and repurpose an unused school building which otherwise would most likely sit empty into the foreseeable future and be a burden for School District taxpayers. Park Grove has a proven track record here in Hornell with the Rockland Silk Mill project having recently transformed an old, abandoned building into loft apartments. I would also like to thank all our partners at the state level for their continued support in making projects such as this a reality."
Timothy Crilly, Director of Development at Park Grove Development, said, "We are very excited for the redevelopment of the Bryant School into 39 high-quality workforce housing units. Hornell has seen great growth and development within the past 10 years. This project will continue with this growth and be a great addition to the community."
Accelerating Southern Tier Soaring
Today's announcement complements "Southern Tier Soaring," the region's comprehensive blueprint to generate robust economic growth and community development. The regionally designed plan focuses on attracting a talented workforce, growing business, and driving innovation. Now, the region is accelerating Southern Tier Soaring with a $500 million State investment through the Upstate Revitalization Initiative. The State's $500 million investment will incentivize private business to invest well over $2.5 billion - and the region's plan, as submitted, projects up to 10,200 new jobs. More information is available here.