Park Grove Realty, Providence Housing repurpose Hornell school into affordable housing
Park Grove Realty and Providence Housing transformed Bryant Elementary School in Hornell into 39 affordable apartments. (Photo provided by Gov. Kathy Hochul's office)
Park Grove Realty, Providence Housing repurpose Hornell school into affordable housing
The $14.3 million repurposing of a former school in Hornell to affordable housing has been completed.
Through adaptive reuse, Park Grove Realty and Providence Housing of Rochester created Bryant School Apartments. The building features 39 multifamily units for working families within the city’s downtown district.
Bryant Elementary School, a two-story, 50,000-square-foot building, closed in 2021 as part of downsizing by the Hornell City School District. The building was renovated and an 8,500-square-foot addition was built.
The school’s original hallway tile, entrance sign, playground, mature trees and fenced-in greenspace were preserved while a fitness center, community room and laundry rooms were added.
The apartments are affordable to households earning at or below 60 percent of the Area Median Income.
“These 39 units have proved to be much needed and are safe, modern and affordable,” Andrew Bodewes, partner at Park Grove Realty, said in a news release. “The project preserved a significant community asset that will keep the neighborhood stable.”
Funding came from a variety of sources, including $7.7 million in Federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, $2 million in State Low Income Housing Tax Credits and $3.5 million in subsidy from Housing and Community Renewal.
“Access to affordable, modern, secure housing is a primary concern for New Yorkers in every region of the state, one we are committed to addressing head-on,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said. “The city of Hornell is in tune with our statewide, multi-pronged efforts to solve the housing crisis and create communities with strong local economies that people of all income levels can be proud to call home.”
Turning former schools in housing is becoming more popular. Home Leasing converted the old Holley High School in Holley into Holley Gardens, a 41-unit affording senior living community. Boutique developer 43 North Real Estate of Rochester is trying to finalize plans to turn the closed St. Thomas Catholic School in Irondequoit into 25 high-end market rate apartments along with limited commercial space.
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