The completion of the Artspace Utica Lofts, a $18.6 million affordable housing development with 43 units, was announced by Governor Kathy Hochul. The project aims to support Utica’s creative economy and promote inclusivity as part of ongoing redevelopment efforts in the city. This initiative is also aligned with the Governor’s $25 billion Housing Plan, which seeks to create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes across New York State.
Governor Hochul stated, “New York is prioritizing investments that both increase affordability and revitalize communities. Artspace Utica offers affordable housing while also promoting artistic creativity and supporting the local economy. This development will be a vital asset to Utica’s downtown Commercial and Arts and Cultural districts, and to artists across the state.”
The four-story building provides apartments for households earning up to 80 percent of the Area Median Income, with 32 units reserved specifically for local artists. Nearly 800 square feet have been allocated for gallery space within the development.
Located on Park Avenue between two major arts institutions—the Stanley Center for the Arts and Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute—the site includes a walkway connecting it to a new public event space along King Street. To foster diversity among residents, Artspace is collaborating with The Center (formerly Mohawk Valley Resource Center for Refugees) to reach out to artists from varied cultural backgrounds.
Artspace Utica Lofts supports Utica’s objective of expanding mixed-use affordable housing options as part of its $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative award from the New York State Department of State, targeting improvements in the main street area. It is currently the only new construction project within this designated area.
The building was constructed as an all-electric facility featuring energy-efficient heating, air conditioning, ventilation systems, electric vehicle charging stations, and green infrastructure practices designed to manage stormwater runoff.
Funding for Artspace Utica came from multiple sources: Federal Low Income Housing Tax Credits through New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) generated nearly $9 million in equity; State Low Income Housing Tax Credits provided $1.9 million; HCR’s Housing Trust Fund contributed $3.8 million; and additional funding came from agencies including the New York State Council on the Arts ($1.3 million), Department of State’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative ($650,000), Community Foundation of Herkimer & Oneida Counties ($250,000), NYSERDA’s New Construction – Housing program ($172,000), and City of Utica American Rescue Plan Act funds ($700,000). Artspace Projects, Inc. served as developer.
RuthAnne Visnauskas, Commissioner/CEO of New York State Homes and Community Renewal said, “This nearly $19 million investment addresses critical affordable housing needs for the city of Utica, while supporting artists and their families with modern spaces to live and work. The 43 units at Artspace are the latest example of how Governor Hochul is working to solve New York’s housing crisis, as well as investing in urban areas and cultivating diverse populations. Thank you to our partners for their commitment to affordable housing and investing in Utica, a city that continues to be on the rise.”
New York State Energy Research and Development Authority President Doreen M. Harris commented on energy features: “This new housing development in Utica is more than an affordable place to live, it’s a space where creative New Yorkers can thrive while benefiting from electric building features. By pairing affordable, modern, and healthy residences with gallery space, Artspace Utica Lofts has created a unique opportunity to simultaneously support residents and the region’s creative economy for generations to come.”
Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley noted: “Utica is fostering its creativity by combining arts and affordable housing in the downtown area. By providing affordable housing for artists and vibrant gallery space for the public, this project not only supports the city’s creative economy but also gives residents and visitors alike a place to connect and experience the arts together.”
NYS Council on the Arts Executive Director Erika Mallin added: “Now artists and their families have an affordable place to live and work here in Utica — continuing New York State’s long tradition of supporting creative communities. New York State’s arts and culture sector is a powerful driver of our shared health and prosperity. By providing an affordable home for artists, they in turn will further strengthen this city — building connections and encouraging growth from across the state. NYSCA is proud to support transformative projects like ArtSpace Utica with critical capital funding.”
Assemblymember Marianne Buttenschon said: “As our city continues to grow and evolve, it is projects like Artspace Utica Lofts that remind us how powerful the arts can be in shaping vibrant, inclusive communities. Welcoming artists and their families into our downtown is not only a celebration of creativity—it is an investment in economic growth, local small businesses, and the cultural soul of Utica… Together we are building more than just housing.”
Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr., Mayor Michael P. Galime of Utica; Becky Carlson St Clair from Artspace Projects Inc.; Alicia Dicks from Community Foundation; Shelly Callahan from The Center all expressed similar support emphasizing community benefits ranging from economic growth through revitalization efforts—especially those targeting diverse populations—to fostering inclusive environments tied directly into urban design goals such as walkability.
Governor Hochul has emphasized her administration’s focus on increasing access to safe homes statewide by securing agreements that provide tax incentives alongside new policies meant both for tenants’ protection as well as affordability measures benefitting homeowners under recent enacted budgets.
According to recent reports more than 65 thousand homes have been created or preserved under these initiatives so far statewide https://hcr.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-announces-completion-186m-43-unit-affordable-housing-development-utica.
The Pro-Housing Community Program now certifies over 350 municipalities—including Utica—granting them exclusive access up-to $750 million discretionary state funds aimed at accelerating such developments https://hcr.ny.gov/prohousing.
