Olympic Avenue Apartments Transformed Vacant School Into Affordable Homes

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Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the completion of rehabilitation work at East Buffalo's former Public School 78, transforming the vacant building into 46 affordable apartments and space for community programs and services. All of the homes in the $19 million Olympic Avenue Apartments development will be available to low-income households, with eight of the units set aside for disabled individuals who will have access to on-site support services. Governor Hochul broke ground on the project in 2022. 

“This project exemplifies New York’s creativity in transforming underutilized properties into much-needed homes,” Governor Hochul said. “Our ongoing investments in East Buffalo are improving affordability, strengthening our communities and increasing housing opportunities for all.”  

In the last five years, New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) has created or preserved 7,500 affordable homes in Buffalo. Olympic Avenue Apartments continues this effort and is part of Governor Hochul's $25 billion comprehensive Housing Plan that will create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes across New York, including 10,000 with support services for vulnerable populations, plus the electrification of an additional 50,000 homes.   

Olympic Avenue Apartments complements the State’s ongoing commitment to addressing the vital needs of the East Buffalo community following the racially motivated terror attack at Tops Supermarket on May 14, 2022.

Read the full press release here.