Categories: New York State, Openings
11.28.2016
New development rises on the site of a long-vacant big-box store.
Ebenezer Square Apartments
Living Opportunities of DePaul opened a beautiful supportive housing development, Ebenezer Square Apartments, in West Seneca on November 17th. The mixed-use development rises on the site of a long-vacant big-box store and features 100 affordable apartments, 75 of which are supportive housing units for persons in recovery from mental illness. The name Ebenezer Square is a nod to the Ebenezer Colonies which consisted of settlements of Inspirationists who migrated to what is now the town of West Seneca from Germany in 1843.
Living Opportunities of DePaul’s President Mark H. Fuller welcome the crowd, saying "DePaul is so proud to be part of the West Seneca community. Ebenezer Square is an example of progress and partnership in action."
Dignitaries present included NYS Office of Mental Health Commissioner Ann Sullivan; State Senator Timothy Kennedy; West Seneca Town Supervisor Sheila M. Meegan; West Seneca Town Councilman Gene Hart; OMH’s Moira Tashjian; NYS HCR’s Leonard Skrill; Commissioner Michael Ranney of the Erie County Mental Health Department; and State Assembly Member Michael P. Kearns.
Commissioner Sullivan said, “Residential programs such as Ebenezer have been shown to help their clients find lasting recovery and better connection with their surrounding communities. Under Governor Cuomo’s leadership, New York State continues to expand the opportunities and options which enable individuals with disabilities to live fully integrated lives in their home communities.”
Residents have access to lounge areas on each floor, outdoor picnic areas, a community room and off-street parking. A green building, Ebenezer Square features the latest energy-saving solar technology: a 150-kilowatt solar array will account for about 75 percent of the building's electrical usage, funded in large part by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority and using New York State Solar Tax Credits.
Development partners included the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York, New York State Homes and Community Renewal (NYSHCR), New York State Office of Mental Health (NYSOMH), and Red Stone Equity. On-site services are funded by NYS OMH. The architect was SWBR Architects and the contractor was Calamar Construction. The syndicator was Red Stone Equity.