Categories:
09.19.2025
On September 17th, HELP Development Corp and CSD Housing joined project partners and local officials to celebrate the grand opening of Center City Courtyard — a transformative new mixed-use development bringing 164 affordable apartments to downtown Rochester, New York. Of those, 95 units are supportive housing, making it the largest supportive residence of its kind in New York State outside of New York City.
Supportive services at Center City Courtyard will be provided by Helio Health, Eagle Star Housing, and the Urban League of Rochester, focusing on individuals with mental health concerns, veterans, and those returning from incarceration. Services are funded through the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative (ESSHI), administered by the New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH).
At the opening, project and government made remarks:
HELP Development Corp President David Cleghorn said, “HELP Development Corp. is excited to celebrate the grand opening of Center City Courtyard, made possible through our invaluable partnership with CSD Housing. As the largest affordable supportive housing project in Western New York, Center City Courtyard exemplifies our commitment to creating transformative, safe, and affordable housing right in the heart of downtown Rochester. We are proud to play a role in shaping a brighter future for our community.”
Whitney McClary, Development Director for Pittsford-based CSD Housing said, “We hope this space is filled with people. We want the greater community integrated within this space.”
New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, “This is Home. Home is where life happens.”
CSD’s Michael Dehmler also announced at the ribbon cutting the launch of a new nonprofit, Ben’s Place, whose mission is to support parents who are struggling to identify options to address the mental health challenges of their children. Initially, Ben’s Place will be a telephone hotline where parents call to get connected with local services for their child.
Center City Courtyard’ amenities include a courtyard featuring raised bed gardens, outdoor recreation, a dog park, gazebo, picnic areas, seating and a Bocce court. The building will also have underground parking, community rooms, supportive offices, lounge spaces and a rooftop garden. It’s also all electric.
Financing for the project is provided by from New York State Housing Finance Association Supportive Housing Opportunity Program (SHOP) and Low-Income Housing Tax Credits; NYS HCR’s Clean Energy Initiative Program New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance’s Homeless Housing and Assistance Program (HHAP), and HOME funding.
The general contractor is Christa Construction and the architect is Passaro Architects.