Excellence Award Spotlight: Canal Commons
“As Developer and Project Sponsor, East House is honored to receive the 2024 Excellence in Historic Preservation Award for Canal Commons from the Preservation League of NYS. Rochester’s Susan B. Anthony neighborhood has a robust history and this adaptive reuse remediation project honors that spirit,” said Lindsay Gozzi-Theobald, President & CEO of East House. “While the remediation and transformation of the historic property is significant, the highest value of the development is found within the residents whose lives are truly transformed by the opportunity to live in quality housing within a welcoming neighborhood. Canal Commons is so much more than just a restored building; it is a community where lives will be transformed, and dreams will be realized."
Aerial photograph showing the revitalized Canal Commons. Photo Credit: Tim Wilkes.
“The preservation and adaptive use of Canal Commons reinforces the importance of the mission of East House, by providing quality, safe, and dependable housing for individuals in recovery, and for those who have experienced homelessness,” said Mark Pandolf, AIA, Architect, Principal, Plan Architectural Studio, PC.
Before and After
Top: 89 Canal Street Facade, before photo via Landmark Society of Western NY, credit Quajay-Donnell; after photo credit Tim Wilkes. Bottom: Courtyard, before photo via Plan Architectural Studio; after photo credit Tim Wilkes.
Canal Commons is a $64 million affordable housing project that has changed the Rochester, NY landscape. Located in the historic Susan B. Anthony neighborhood, Canal Commons was a long-vacant historic warehouse building, which has been converted into a 123-unit apartment building. The rehabilitation was made possible through incentives including Low Income Housing Tax Credits and Historic Tax Credits. In addition to providing high quality affordable housing, most Canal Commons apartments are reserved for residents who have experienced chronic homelessness or are in recovery from mental health and substance use disorders. The creation of this supportive housing was made possible through the Empire State Housing Initiative (ESSHI) administered through the NYS Office of Mental Health. This project is a mixed-income development that serves families earning up to 60% of the Area Median Income. The project also participated in the NYS Brownfield Cleanup Program and in NYSERDA’s Multifamily New Construction Program, significantly improving the viability of the neighborhood and of Canal Street.
“Preservation and adaptive use projects bring underutilized buildings back to life. And in this instance, converting a former factory into apartments truly changes people’s lives for the better.”
- Project Architect Mark Pandolf
Of the 123 apartments, 53 are affordable housing units; 37 units for people with mental health disorders; 25 units for people with substance use disorders; and 8 units for chronically homeless individuals. Of these, 17 units were adapted for those who are mobility impaired, and 5 units were configured for those with hearing or vision impairment. East House provides support services for residents at Canal Commons and Providence Housing Development Corporation provides property management services.
Canal Commons was previously included on the Landmark Society of Western New York's "Five to Revive" list in 2020. The Preservation League is honored to recognize Canal Commons with our 2024 Excellence in Historic Preservation Award.
After photos of interior spaces including the lobby, community room, apartment, and lounge by Tim Wilkes.
This quality, affordable housing tax-credit project was made possible with funding by: New York State Homes & Community Renewal (NYS HCR); New York State Housing Financial Agency (HFA) New York State Office of Temporary & Disability Assistance, Homeless Housing Assistance Program (HHAP); Red Stone Equity Partners; JP Morgan Chase Bank; Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) of NY through member bank, M&T Bank; New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC); New York State Energy Research & Development Authority (NYSERDA); New York State Historic Preservation Office (NYS SHPO); New York State Office of Mental Health (NYS OMH), and The City of Rochester, PILOT program.
“The statewide recognition goes to our entire project team who worked so tirelessly to make this challenging project a reality,” said Project Architect Mark Pandolf. “It’s such a prestigious honor that it is still sinking in!”
The project team included: East House, Developer & Project Sponsor; MM Development Advisors, Inc. (WBE), Co-Developer; Plan Architectural Studio, PC, Architects; Hamilton Stern Construction, LLC, Construction/General Contractor; Stantec Consulting Services Inc, Environmental and Civil Engineers; Cannon, Heyman, & Weiss, LLP and Knauf Shaw LLP, attorneys; and Preservation Studios, LLC, Historic Consultants.