New York State Homes and Community Renewal Announces Opening of 150-Unit Affordable Housing Development

New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas today announced the completion of Pan-American Square Apartments, a $93 million, 150-unit affordable housing development in Buffalo. The development consists of three newly-constructed buildings located on the city's westside near the site of the World's Fair in 1901. More than half of the apartments are supportive Single-Room Occupancy units and there are several apartments reserved for seniors. Under Governor Hochul's leadership, HCR has financed more than 11,000 affordable homes in Erie County, including more than 8,000 in the city of Buffalo. Pan-American Square Apartments continues this effort and complements Governor Hochul's $25 billion five-year housing plan, which is on track to create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes statewide.

"Our investment in Pan-American Square Apartments highlights two of our most important goals - it creates 150 much-needed affordable and modern apartments, and it ensures households who need support will have access to the tools and resources that help them live independently, said New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas. "As the revitalization of Buffalo continues, we thank our many state and local partners for making this project a reality, and we look forward to our continued work in communities across Western New York."

Apartments at Pan-American Square are available to households earning up to 60 percent of the Area Median Income. There are 100 supportive apartments for vulnerable residents and those struggling with homelessness, as well as seniors age 55 and older in need of support services. Of these supportive apartments, 80 are Single Room Occupancy units, which are one room that also contains a sink and stove with access to a shared bathroom in the public corridor. On-site support services are provided by DePaul Community Services including case management, healthcare coordination, transportation, community integration, and independent living skills education.

Developed by DePaul Properties, Pan-American Square Apartments features ample outdoor greenspaces including a patio, landscaping, and a pedestrian and bike trail to the development. Energy efficient features include all-electric hot water, efficient heating and cooling, energy recovery ventilation units to improve indoor air quality, water-conserving plumbing, ENERGY STAR appliances, LED lighting, and highly-insulated walls. Several apartments are accessible and equipped for people with mobility impairments, as well as hearing and visual impairments.

The development is located on the site of a converted former rail corridor, which inspired the building design. The entrance to one of the buildings features a tall, light-filled lobby and a generous canopy. As a tribute to 1901 World's Fair, a large mural of the Fair was created in the lobby and there is an illuminated Buffalo skyline in the community room.

Support for Pan-American Square Apartments is provided by New York State Homes and Community Renewal's Federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Program that will generate approximately $28.5 million in equity, $12.4 million from its Federal Housing Trust Fund, $11.2 million from its Supportive Housing Opportunity Program, and nearly $1.9 million from its Clean Energy Initiative Program, created in partnership with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority.

In addition, the New York State Office of Mental Health is providing debt service support for a $29.5 million first mortgage and $200,000 through a program development grant. Additional financing includes $3.3 million from the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance's Homeless Housing and Assistance Program. Operating funding for the supportive units includes the New York State Office of Mental Health's Community Residence‐Single Room Occupancy program and the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative program administered by the New York State Department of Health.

New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, "For individuals experiencing homelessness, mental illness or substance use disorders, access to housing and support can be life changing. It provides a foundation for recovery, stability, and a better quality of life. I applaud Governor Hochul and local partners on this important achievement for the community.

New York State Energy Research and Development Authority President and CEO Doreen M. Harris said, "By combining energy efficiency, affordability, and supportive services, the Pan-American Square Apartments will help more families and individuals realize a brighter future while strengthening the Buffalo community as a whole. This project is another example for how we can incorporate modern features to create healthier, cleaner housing as part of New York's economy-wide energy transition."

New York State Office of Mental Health Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan said, "Access to stable housing allows individuals experiencing mental health challenges to receive the support they need in a welcoming environment while they continue their progress toward recovery. Pan-American Square Apartments housing enables residents to remain and flourish in their community. It is also notable that this development includes units specifically for seniors, who often require unique support services as they achieve their goals."

Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Commissioner Barbara C. Guinn said, "We are pleased that the Homeless Housing and Assistance Program was able to support investment in Pan-American Square Apartments to create much-needed new permanent supportive housing in Buffalo. These apartments will provide Erie County residents who have experienced homelessness with safe, accessible apartments and onsite access to support services they need to live independently in their community. This vital project is part of Governor Hochul's commitment to increasing the supply of permanent supporting housing, helping us fight homelessness and build stronger communities throughout the State."

Congressman Tim Kennedy said, "The completion of Pan-American Square Apartments is an important milestone in improving the quality of life for families, seniors, and the most vulnerable Western New Yorkers. Affordable and supportive housing isn't just an economic necessity, it is a moral priority. Housing developments like this one fuels growth, revitalizes neighborhoods, and strengthens the foundation of our city. I'm proud to stand with Governor Hochul and our partners in ensuring that Buffalo, and all of New York State, continue to build a future where every family can live, work, and thrive with dignity."

State Senator Sean Ryan said, "Pan-American Square Apartments will be a tremendous addition to Buffalo, bringing 150 affordable homes to a community that desperately needs them. Projects like this show how targeted state funding can make a real difference in addressing our city's housing affordability crisis. We need to continue taking advantage of state funding opportunities and every other tool available to ensure that all Buffalo families have access to safe, stable, and affordable housing."

State Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes said, "Affordable housing, substance abuse and mental health counseling are three societal issues that demand immediate solutions. Thanks to Governor Hochul's Office and New York State Homes and Community Renewal, residents in the city of Buffalo who are struggling with mental health, or substance abuse, or homelessness can find support in the Pan-American Square Apartments."

Buffalo Mayor Christopher P. Scanlon said, "The completion of Pan-American Square Apartments marks another important milestone in our shared commitment to ensuring that every Buffalo resident has access to safe, affordable, and supportive housing. This development not only provides stability and opportunity for those most in need but also pays tribute to the legacy of the Pan-American Exposition through its thoughtful design and focus on community. I want to thank Governor Hochul, New York State Homes and Community Renewal, and DePaul Properties for their continued partnership and investment in Buffalo's neighborhoods as we work together to build a stronger, more inclusive city."

DePaul President Mark Fuller said, "DePaul is grateful to Governor Hochul, New York State and all of our partners for their support in building affordable, healthy, and resilient communities. The Pan-American Square Apartments exemplifies how partnership, resilient design, and equity can tackle Buffalo's housing crisis, offering stable housing and person-centered services for those we serve. The development is a catalyst for community revitalization and a model for affordable, sustainable living in New York."

Governor Hochul's Housing Agenda

Governor Hochul is dedicated to addressing New York's housing crisis and making the State more affordable and more livable for all New Yorkers. As part of the FY25 Enacted Budget, the Governor secured a landmark agreement to increase New York's housing supply through new tax incentives, capital funding, and new protections for renters and homeowners. Building on this commitment, the FY26 Enacted Budget includes more than $1.5 billion in new State funding for housing, a Housing Access Voucher pilot program, and new policies to improve affordability for tenants and homebuyers. These measures complement the Governor's five-year, $25 billion Housing Plan, included in the FY23 Enacted Budget, to create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes statewide, including 10,000 with support services for vulnerable populations, plus the electrification of an additional 50,000 homes. More than 65,000 homes have been created or preserved to date.

The FY25 and FY26 Enacted Budgets also strengthened the Governor's Pro-Housing Community Program - which allows certified localities exclusive access to up to $750 million in discretionary State funding. Currently, more than 350 communities have received Pro-Housing certification, including the city of Buffalo.