Construction has begun on the Waltemade Residence, a $74 million adaptive reuse project in Mount Vernon, Westchester County, that will create over 100 affordable apartments for seniors. The initiative is led by New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) under the direction of Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas and aligns with Governor Kathy Hochul’s broader efforts to address housing shortages and climate concerns by renovating existing structures.
Governor Hochul stated, “As we work to boost the supply of affordable housing across the state, it’s vitally important New York’s seniors are given the opportunity to remain in the communities they call home. Waltemade Residence is one of several important investments we’re making in Mount Vernon and it provides the modern, secure, energy-efficient apartments the city needs today and into the future.”
Commissioner Visnauskas added, “Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, seniors in Mount Vernon will have an affordable, safe and accessible place to call home on the beautiful Wartburg campus. Thank you to Wartburg and Rockabill Development, as well as County Executive Jenkins and Mayor Patterson-Howard, for helping to repurpose an existing building that will create more than 100 units and enable seniors to age in place in their own community.”
The development will serve residents aged 62 or older with incomes up to 80 percent of Area Median Income. Thirty units are designated for seniors with chronic conditions or disabilities who have experienced homelessness; these will be supported through the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative (ESSHI) administered by the New York State Department of Health.
Located on a 34-acre campus operated by Wartburg—a nonprofit organization with a long history of senior care—the site offers various amenities including walking paths, gardens, shuttle service for errands, memory care facilities, rehabilitation services, and skilled nursing options.
Waltemade Residence is being co-developed by The Wartburg Residential Community Inc. and Rockabill Development LLC. The all-electric building will include an art studio, laundry facilities, fitness center, broadband internet access for each unit, and accommodations for residents with mobility or sensory impairments.
The financing package includes $24.2 million from HCR’s Federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Program; $5.4 million from its State Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Program; $2.3 million from the Supportive Housing Opportunity Program; $12.5 million from the Senior Housing Program; over $8.1 million from Westchester County’s Housing Flex Fund; and $600,000 from Mount Vernon’s HOME fund via the city’s Urban Renewal Agency.
Other affordable housing projects supported by HCR in Mount Vernon include Opal 115—a 315-unit development near a rail station—and QWest Towers which will provide 229 additional affordable units.
New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald commented on Governor Hochul’s approach: “Governor Hochul’s commitment to energy-efficient, affordable and supportive housing is a tremendous asset for communities across New York. It is essential that aging New Yorkers have the ability to transition comfortably into later stages of life. The numerous independent living options at the Waltemade Residence will help ensure those needs are met.”
Senator Charles Schumer highlighted federal involvement: “Every family in Mount Vernon deserves a safe and affordable place to call home. I’m proud that the federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit that I worked hard to protect and expand has delivered millions to help convert a former nursing facility into more than 100 affordable and energy-efficient units… I applaud Governor Hochul’s work increasing access to housing for working families in Mount Vernon and across the Hudson Valley…”
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said: “Our seniors have spent their entire lives contributing to our communities, and they deserve access to high-quality and affordable housing options that allow them to age with dignity. Waltemade Residence will help expand access to supportive services, combat skyrocketing housing costs, and boost Mount Vernon’s economy…”
Senator Jamaal T. Bailey stated: “The Waltemade Residence…is a shining example of how we can meet the urgent housing needs of our seniors with dignity… By transforming underutilized space into a place of community…I’m proud to support this investment in Mount Vernon…”
Assemblyman J. Gary Pretlow remarked: “The Waltemade Residence represents the kind of forward-thinking investment that strengthens Mount Vernon’s future while honoring our seniors…I commend Governor Hochul, and all stakeholders for ensuring that older residents can live with dignity…”
Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins noted: “Westchester County is proud to support the Waltemade Residence project… This investment reflects our ongoing commitment… By repurposing existing structures…we are setting a standard for how we can meet housing needs while addressing our goals for the environment…”
Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard added: “The Waltemade Residence embodies what progress looks like in Mount Vernon—preserving our history while creating opportunity for our seniors…”
Wartburg President Dr. David Gentner said: “We are grateful that our public and private sector partners share our vision… As we begin renovations, we celebrate an exciting milestone in our vision…”
Rockabill Managing Principal Niall Murray expressed appreciation: “We are grateful for the trust that Wartburg Lutheran has placed in Rockabill… We are thankful to our financing partners at New York State Housing and Community Renewal…”
Governor Hochul’s broader agenda includes new tax incentives for increasing housing supply statewide as part of recent state budgets totaling over $1.5 billion in new funding along with pilot programs such as Housing Access Voucher aimed at improving affordability for tenants (https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-announces-fy-2025-budget-agreement). Over 68,000 homes have been created or preserved so far under her five-year plan (https://hcr.ny.gov/about-hcr).
Mount Vernon has also received Pro-Housing certification through a state program giving localities exclusive access to discretionary funding (https://hcr.ny.gov/pro-housing-community-program), joining more than 360 other certified communities across New York.
