Governor Hochul Celebrates Groundbreaking of $39 Million Housing Project in Niagara Falls

The Nest Project Features 73 Affordable and Market Rate Apartments, Including 21 Supportive Units for Survivors of Domestic Violence

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Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the start of construction for The Nest, a new mixed-use development located at 333 First Street in Niagara Falls. The $39.5 million project is a six-story new build development that will provide 73 new affordable and market rate apartments for individuals and families, including 21 supportive units for survivors of domestic violence, and commercial space for job readiness and workforce development training in downtown Niagara Falls.

"The Nest is a transformative project that will breathe new life into a vacant parcel and bring workforce and market-rate housing, career development opportunities, and a new vibrancy to downtown Niagara Falls," Governor Hochul said. "New York is proud to create housing opportunities that are affordable, accessible, sustainable, and supportive for all our residents, particularly the most vulnerable members of our community."

The new building, developed by Community Services for Every1 in partnership with Edgemere Development, will be nearly 82,000 square feet and feature 73 studio, one-, and two-bedroom apartments and will include approximately 4,445 square feet of ground-floor commercial space. Of the 70 affordable apartments, eight apartments will be adapted for households with mobility impairments and four will be adapted for households with audio/visual impairments. Recognizing great need in the community, Community Services for Every1 will set aside 21 supportive units for formerly homeless survivors of domestic violence ready to move to permanent housing. Three of the units will be market rate. The building will feature street-level commercial space to contribute to pedestrian activity. Community Services for Every1 will use the commercial space to provide job readiness and workforce development services that will benefit people with disabilities and their families.

New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) is supporting the project through its Federal Low Income Tax Credit Program, which is expected to generate $16 million in equity, HCR's State Low Income Housing Tax Credit program, which is expected to generate $5 million in equity, and $3.8 million in subsidy. Empire State Development is providing a $1 million grant through USA Niagara Development Corporation and a $320,000 capital grant through the WNY Regional Economic Development Council to support design and construction. Other financial assistance includes $547,500 from the Clean Energy Initiative (CEI), a partnership between HCR and New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), and $4.5 million from the NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) Homeless Housing and Assistance Program.

In addition, operating funding for the supportive units will be provided by the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative, administered through OTDA. The site is also participating in the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation's (DEC) successful Brownfield Cleanup Program and, when completed, would be eligible for tax credits administered by the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance. There is also support from a private equity investor.

Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, "Today, we celebrate a major milestone in our collective effort to add quality housing options and provide supportive services to those who need it most. The $39.5 million investment on a highly traveled Niagara Falls street promises new life and vitality in the form of dozens of new homes, workforce training, and community space. It's a testament to the positive impact we can achieve through Governor Hochul's strategic investments. We thank our partners, including Community Services for Every1, for their collaboration on this important project."

Read the full press release here.