The Golden Hill Apartments, a new 164-unit affordable housing development in Kingston, has been completed, Governor Kathy Hochul announced. The $87 million project was supported by a $10 million grant from the first round of the Mid-Hudson Momentum Fund and is located on a 20-acre site previously occupied by the Ulster County Jail.
Golden Hill Apartments offers all-electric units designed for families, seniors, and individuals needing support services. All apartments are reserved for households earning up to 80 percent of the Area Median Income. The complex consists of two mid-rise buildings, four townhomes, and a central community facility. Nearly half of the apartments are set aside for residents aged 62 and older, while 48 units provide onsite support services for those at risk of homelessness.
Governor Hochul said, “Golden Hill Apartments is a bold reimagining of what was once a vacant jail into a vibrant, modern, multi-generational community that lifts up families, seniors, and those who’ve faced homelessness. We know the Hudson Valley needs more affordable and supportive homes, and we’re making sure no stone is left unturned when it comes to making more homes for residents a reality. With today’s announcement, Golden Hills brings us one step closer to our goal of creating or preserving 100,000 affordable homes across New York, and building a more affordable, equitable future.”
The development features landscaped outdoor areas with five playgrounds tailored to different age groups, an outdoor plaza, garden space, and direct access to the Empire State Trail. A new community hub includes fitness facilities and child care open to the public. Later this year Ulster County Area Transit will add a bus stop at the property.
Local planning efforts identified redeveloping the jail site as key to meeting housing needs in Ulster County. The project aligns with state initiatives such as the $500 million capital fund established in New York’s FY25 Enacted Budget to develop housing on state-owned land including former correctional sites.
Golden Hill Apartments incorporates green design elements such as rooftop solar arrays generating about 700 kWp combined renewable energy output per year; energy-efficient appliances; high-performance windows; and systems for energy recovery in heating and cooling.
The co-developers are Pennrose and Family of Woodstock. Family of Woodstock also delivers onsite support services like case management and crisis intervention. Some units are accessible for people with mobility or sensory impairments.
New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) provided financing through federal and state tax credit programs yielding about $41 million in equity; permanent tax-exempt bonds worth $6.5 million; an $18.7 million subsidy; plus a $902,000 grant from HCR’s Clean Energy Initiative developed with NYSERDA (New York State Energy Research Development Authority). The Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance supplied a $15 million loan from its Homeless Housing Assistance Program along with ongoing operating funds via Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative.
Additional funding came from Empire State Development ($10 million), New York State Department of Environmental Conservation ($1.68 million), Federal Home Loan Bank ($1.5 million), Ulster County ($1.5 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds), U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and Representative Pat Ryan ($1 million), City of Kingston (Payment In Lieu Of Taxes agreement).
RuthAnne Visnauskas, Commissioner/CEO of New York State Homes And Community Renewal said: “HCR is proud to have played a role in transforming this property from a gloomy former jail into a modern, sustainable, affordable apartment complex that will be home to more than 160 households. Our investment in Golden Hill Apartments continues our efforts to ensure residents of all ages have access to the housing and support services they need to thrive and builds on our work in Ulster County where we’ve created or preserved more than 1,100 affordable homes over the past five years.”
Barbara C. Guinn from NYS Office of Temporary & Disability Assistance stated: “Supportive housing is a critical and proven tool in helping stabilize the lives of people who have experienced homelessness… Our agency is proud to be a partner in this important community project.”
Empire State Development President Hope Knight commented: “Affordable housing supports workforce mobility… The Mid-Hudson Momentum Fund represents our commitment to unlocking the region’s housing potential.”
NYSERDA President Doreen M. Harris said: “Golden Hill Apartments is a highly efficient affordable housing complex that will improve the lives of residents while helping create a cleaner community.”
MHREDC Co-Chairs Drs Marsha Gordon & Kristine Young called it an example “of how regional partnerships can translate shared vision into tangible results.”
Representative Pat Ryan remarked: “I hear it from folks every day — costs… are way too high… That’s why I spearheaded the Golden Hill Apartments project as Ulster County Executive… No family should have to pick between putting food on the table and having a roof over their heads — I’ll keep fighting every day to bring housing costs down.”
Senator Chuck Schumer praised federal investments supporting conversion efforts at Golden Hill: “Every family in Kingston deserves a safe and affordable place… High housing costs are key driver[s] of inflation so we must build more housing for working people…”
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand highlighted her funding role: “Access to affordable housing should be guaranteed… I’m proud to have delivered funds that made this project possible…”
State Senator Michelle Hinchey called completion “an important milestone” showing collaboration among government levels.
Kingston Mayor Steve Noble expressed gratitude for partners involved saying it serves as “a shining example” for future projects.
Pennrose President Dylan Salmons emphasized collaboration between public/private sectors while Michael Berg (Family Of Woodstock) noted its importance as local workforce-targeted housing.
Governor Hochul’s broader agenda includes measures within recent state budgets aimed at increasing New York’s overall supply through incentives/capital funding/new renter protections plus targeted programs like Pro-Housing Community certification—which Kingston has received—granting certified communities priority access up to $750M discretionary state funds.
