Categories: New York State, Openings
08.31.2016
A collaboration between Network members Evergreen Health Services, providing on site services, and Southern Tier Environments for Living (STEL).
Cutting the ribbon at Evergreen Lofts.
On July 25th Evergreen Health Services held a ribbon cutting ceremony for Evergreen Lofts. This new supportive housing project is a collaboration between Network members Evergreen Health Services, providing on site services, and Southern Tier Environments for Living (STEL), the not-for-profit developer. Half of the 56 total units are for homeless individuals living with major chronic health issues. Evergreen embraces the Housing First model.
Steven Ald, Director of Real Estate Development at STEL, thanked the Network for helping with community support in the early stages of the project. Additional speakers included Ronald Silverio, President of Evergreen Health Services; Ruth Anne Visnauskas, Executive Deputy Commissioner, New York State Homes and Community Renewal; and Samuel G. Roberts, Commissioner, New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance. Buffalo area elected officials Congressman Brian Higgins, Senator Tim Kennedy, and State Assembly Member Sean Ryan also spoke.
About 30% of the funding was made available through federal and state historic tax credits. The project was designated as an adapted reuse of an historic site, the Buffalo Manufacturing Company, due in part to the unique beam construction. The exposed beams became a focal point of the project. An original display case on the second floor showcases antique trunks that were made on site.
Additional funding for Evergreen Lofts comes from the Federal Home Loan Bank through First Niagara Financial Group. The project was syndicated by the National Equity Fund. LP Ciminelli was the contractor and SWBR (a new Network member) was the architect.