Governor Hochul Celebrates Official Groundbreaking of $167 Million Chelsea Beacon Redevelopment in Manhattan

Transformation of Long-Vacant Former Bayview Correctional Facility Will Create Over 130 Permanently Affordable Homes, Supportive Housing and Community Space in West Chelsea

Project Will Provide Supportive Housing for Formerly Incarcerated New Yorkers and a 15-Unit Short-Term Transitional Residence for Individuals With Mental Health Needs

Builds on Governor's Commitment To Address New York's Housing Crisis by Transforming Underutilized State-Owned Properties Into Housing

Governor Kathy Hochul today celebrated the official groundbreaking of Chelsea Beacon, a more than $167 million redevelopment that will transform the long-vacant, State-owned former Bayview Correctional Facility at 550 West 20th Street in Manhattan's West Chelsea neighborhood. Developed by a joint venture between Camber Property Group and the Osborne Association, the adaptive reuse of the historic building will create up to 131 permanently affordable housing units, a 15-unit short-term transitional residence and 9,300 square feet of community facility space. Empire State Development supported the project's redevelopment, managing environmental review, project approvals and the property's disposition to enable its conversion into affordable housing and community-serving uses. Under Governor Hochul's leadership, New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) has created or preserved nearly 8,000 affordable homes in Manhattan. Chelsea Beacon continues this effort and is part of Governor Hochul's $25 billion five-year Housing Plan, which is on track to create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes statewide.

"For more than a decade, this historic property sat vacant in one of New York City's most vibrant neighborhoods. Today, we are transforming it into a place of opportunity - creating permanently affordable homes, supportive housing and critical services that will give New Yorkers the stability and resources they need to build stronger futures," Governor Hochul said. "Chelsea Beacon reflects our commitment to tackling the housing crisis from every angle, including putting underutilized State property back to work for New Yorkers."

Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, "The groundbreaking of Chelsea Beacon marks an important step toward transforming a long-vacant State property into a lasting community asset. By bringing together affordable housing, supportive services and community space while thoughtfully preserving this historic building, Chelsea Beacon demonstrates how strategic public investment and strong partnerships can unlock the potential of underutilized properties."

New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, "Chelsea Beacon is a powerful example of how we can turn underutilized state-owned properties into new opportunities for New Yorkers. This project will bring 131 affordable homes, including apartments with supportive services, to a neighborhood where affordable housing is in high demand. By preserving this historic building while creating high-quality, sustainable homes, Governor Hochul is helping make New York City more affordable, inclusive, and livable for New Yorkers of all backgrounds."

Read the full press release here.