Affordable housing can do more than provide safe, secure homes to those in need. Communities have been able to maximize their housing infrastructure projects to create a better quality of life for their families, seniors, and veterans, while also creating a stronger local economy. Learn how affordable housing projects can be used to strengthen economic development and mixed-use projects in rural settings.

1. Albion Academy:
Affordable Housing as
Economic Development
A PathStone Real Estate Development presentation by:
Susan Ottenweller
Senior Vice President of Real Estate Development
7 Prince Street
Rochester, NY 14607
sottenweller@pathstone.org
585. 340.3306

2. History
• Located in the Village of Albion,
Orleans County, NY.
• Built in 1906.
• Constructed with grey Medina
sandstone.
• Served as a school until the
1970’s.
• Largely vacant, neglected and
in a state of disrepair by the
1980’s.

3. The Renovation
• Purchased by PathStone in
2005.
• Senior housing determined as
best primary use and most
financially feasible.
• Construction began in 2007.
• Residential units on
2nd, 3rd & 4th floors.
• Two commercial tenants
identified for the first floor.
• Development team included
Nathaniel General Contractors,
Passero Associates and
Davidson Fink Attorneys.

4. The Residential Space

5. • 30 modern apartments were
carved out of old classrooms
and the auditorium.
• Apartments feature high,
stamped-tin ceilings.
• New high-quality, insulated
windows were installed in
original window openings to
match the style and profile of
the historic windows.
• Original classroom doors left in
place as decorative elements.

6. Maximizing historic preservation was a goal of the development team.
The grand staircase, original moldings and Corinthian columns were restored and relocated
elaborate wood trim were restored or replicated. from the auditorium to the community room.

7. The grand main entrance features refinished wood wainscoting and
stamped tin ceilings.

8. The Commercial Space

9. Orleans County Office
of the Aging
PROGRAMS
• Nutri-Fair Senior Nutrition
(subcontracted to The Arc of
Orleans County)
• Case Management
• Home Care Aides
• Lifeline
• Information and Assistance
• Caregiver Assistance
• Health Promotion
• Exercise Classes

10. Orleans County Office
of the Aging
ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT
• 17 paid employees.
• # of clients served has dramatically
increased since relocation to Albion
Academy due to:
• Improved parking,
• Building & community accessibility,
• Larger space = greater capacity.
• Allows seniors (including building
residents) to “age in place” and
continue to be community
consumers.

11. The Arc of Orleans
County
PROGRAMS
• Day Habilitation
Provides people with developmental
disabilities life-skills training to
enhance and expand their ability to
interact with the community.
Participants build their skills and
expand their personal experiences
through music, crafts and community
outings leading to a fuller, richer life.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
• 7 paid employees.
• 16 individuals served.
• Financial resources allowed the
development project to be feasible.

12. Funding Sources
• NYS Assembly
• National Equity Fund
• NeighborWorks® America
• Federal Home Loan Bank of New York/Maple City Bank
• NYS Division of Housing & Community Renewal
• NYS Office of Community Renewal
• M&T Bank
• Greater Rochester Housing Partnership/Bank of America
• NYS Office of Mental Retardation & Developmental Disabilities
• Orleans County Department of Housing Assistance
• Rural LISC
• Village of Albion
• Town of Albion
Development Costs
Commercial units = $1,303,462
Total project cost = $8,335,619

13. Town & Village Impacts
• Residential space received tax exemption. • Attracts possible future funding to improve the
• Commercial space received a PILOT. community as a whole.
• Preserved/restored a historic building and • Provides a central location for important
an anchor in the Village. community services.
• Property went from “detraction” to “attraction” • Responds to a community need for senior
• Significant impact on market value of housing.
surrounding properties. • Allows people to remain in the community for
housing and services.

14. Thank you!
A PathStone Real Estate Development presentation by:
Susan Ottenweller
Senior Vice President of Real Estate Development
7 Prince Street
Rochester, NY 14607
sottenweller@pathstone.org
585. 340.3306