The Center City Courtyard, a new residential development in downtown Rochester, has officially opened on West Main Street. The five-story, $72 million community offers 164 affordable apartments, including 95 supportive housing units for veterans and individuals at risk of homelessness.
This development is part of the Rochester Urban Revitalization project and is backed by the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative. Governor Kathy Hochul praised the project as “a shining example of how we can transform underutilized spaces into vibrant, sustainable developments that provide safe, affordable homes for working families and supportive services for those at risk of homelessness, including our veterans.”
A Collaboration to Support the Most Vulnerable
CSD Housing and HELP Development Corp led the project, which was constructed on a former parking lot. The development also features office space for service providers such as Helio Health, the Urban League of Rochester and Eagle Star Housing. These organizations will deliver on-site supportive services, addressing mental health challenges, substance abuse, and reentry needs for formerly incarcerated individuals.
Whitney McClary, development director of CSD Housing, described the Center City Courtyard as more than a building: “This development will provide safe, affordable housing with the supportive services residents need to thrive, while also contributing to the vitality of downtown Rochester.”
Modern Amenities for Residents
Residents at the Center City Courtyard have access to a landscaped courtyard, lounges, a fitness center and dedicated offices for supportive service providers. These amenities are designed to create a sense of community and ensure long-term stability for residents.
Advancing New York’s Affordable Housing Plan
The Center City Courtyard complements Governor Hochul’s $1 Billion Affordable Housing Investment plan aimed at creating or preserving 100,000 affordable homes statewide. In Monroe County alone, New York State Homes and Community Renewal has financed over 5,500 affordable homes, including more than 4,300 within the City of Rochester.
Mayor Malik Evans celebrated the project’s completion, calling it a model for high-quality affordable housing: “This sends a message, as have many of our other projects, that when we have good quality affordable housing it means we are taking care of the least of these in our community and making sure they have a ladder out of poverty.”
Factsheet: Center City Courtyard
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Location: West Main Street, Downtown Rochester
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Project Cost: $72 million
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Building Size: Five stories
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Total Units: 164 affordable apartments
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Supportive Housing Units: 95 units for veterans and at-risk populations (homelessness, reentry, mental health, substance abuse)
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Key Developers: CSD Housing & HELP Development Corp
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Supportive Service Providers: Helio Health, Urban League of Rochester, Eagle Star Housing
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Amenities: Courtyard, resident lounges, fitness center, office space for support services
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Statewide Context: Part of Gov. Hochul’s $25B plan to create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes
