Conversion of a highly-visible warehouse along the Kensington Expressway near downtown into apartment is complete. The $16.5 million, 56-unit apartment building, Evergreen Lofts, offers affordable housing opportunities for people who meet income eligibility requirements or are homeless or are at risk of becoming homeless. The residences provide a safe option for people who may have faced housing discrimination elsewhere. Evergreen Health spearheaded the project.
The Lofts has 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom energy-efficient units, within a completely renovated historic building in Buffalo’s East Side. Funded, in part, by historic tax credits, the design of the Lofts preserves much of the original structure, including exposed wood beams, exposed brick, and the main stairwell. The first occupants will move in August 1 and full occupancy is expected to be reached by October 1.
The Evergreen Lofts is made possible by support from: NYS Housing Finance Agency (HFA) and NYS Homes and Community Renewal (HCR), NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA), the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York (FHLB), National Equity Fund (NEF), and First Niagara Financial Group.
The project team included LPCiminelli, SWBR Architects of Rochester, Southern Tier Environments for Living (STEL), and Preservation Studios.