New York State Homes and Community Renewal has announced the completion of the Pan-American Square Apartments, a $93 million affordable housing development in Buffalo. The project includes 150 units across three new buildings located on the city’s west side, near the historic site of the 1901 World’s Fair. More than half of the apartments are supportive Single-Room Occupancy units, with several units set aside for seniors.
The apartments are available to households earning up to 60 percent of the Area Median Income. Of the 100 supportive units, 80 are Single Room Occupancy apartments designed for vulnerable residents, including those facing homelessness and seniors over age 55 who need support services. On-site support is provided by DePaul Community Services, offering case management, healthcare coordination, transportation, community integration, and education in independent living skills.
Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas stated, “Our investment in Pan-American Square Apartments highlights two of our most important goals – it creates 150 much-needed affordable and modern apartments, and it ensures households who need support will have access to the tools and resources that help them live independently. As the revitalization of Buffalo continues, we thank our many state and local partners for making this project a reality, and we look forward to our continued work in communities across Western New York.”
The buildings include energy-efficient features such as all-electric hot water systems, efficient heating and cooling, energy recovery ventilation units, water-conserving plumbing, ENERGY STAR appliances, LED lighting, and highly insulated walls. Several units are accessible for people with mobility, hearing, or visual impairments. The development also offers outdoor green spaces, a patio, landscaping, and a pedestrian and bike trail.
Architectural elements were inspired by the site’s history as a former rail corridor. A tall lobby with a large canopy welcomes residents, and a mural of the 1901 World’s Fair decorates the lobby alongside an illuminated Buffalo skyline in the community room.
Financing for the project came from multiple sources. New York State Homes and Community Renewal contributed through its Federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Program, generating about $28.5 million in equity, along with funds from its Federal Housing Trust Fund, Supportive Housing Opportunity Program, and Clean Energy Initiative Program. Additional support was provided by the New York State Office of Mental Health, which backed a $29.5 million first mortgage and a $200,000 program development grant. Further funding came from the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance’s Homeless Housing and Assistance Program, with operating funds from the Office of Mental Health’s Community Residence‐Single Room Occupancy program and the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative program.
State officials commented on the importance of supportive housing. New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, “For individuals experiencing homelessness, mental illness or substance use disorders, access to housing and support can be life changing. It provides a foundation for recovery, stability, and a better quality of life. I applaud Governor Hochul and local partners on this important achievement for the community.”
Doreen M. Harris, President and CEO of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, noted, “By combining energy efficiency, affordability, and supportive services, the Pan-American Square Apartments will help more families and individuals realize a brighter future while strengthening the Buffalo community as a whole. This project is another example for how we can incorporate modern features to create healthier, cleaner housing as part of New York’s economy-wide energy transition.”
Dr. Ann Sullivan, Commissioner of the New York State Office of Mental Health, added, “Access to stable housing allows individuals experiencing mental health challenges to receive the support they need in a welcoming environment while they continue their progress toward recovery. Pan-American Square Apartments housing enables residents to remain and flourish in their community. It is also notable that this development includes units specifically for seniors, who often require unique support services as they achieve their goals.”
Barbara C. Guinn, Commissioner of the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, said, “We are pleased that the Homeless Housing and Assistance Program was able to support investment in Pan-American Square Apartments to create much-needed new permanent supportive housing in Buffalo. These apartments will provide Erie County residents who have experienced homelessness with safe, accessible apartments and onsite access to support services they need to live independently in their community. This vital project is part of Governor Hochul’s commitment to increasing the supply of permanent supporting housing, helping us fight homelessness and build stronger communities throughout the State.”
Local leaders also recognized the impact of the new development. Congressman Tim Kennedy stated, “The completion of Pan-American Square Apartments is an important milestone in improving the quality of life for families, seniors, and the most vulnerable Western New Yorkers. Affordable and supportive housing isn’t just an economic necessity, it is a moral priority. Housing developments like this one fuels growth, revitalizes neighborhoods, and strengthens the foundation of our city. I’m proud to stand with Governor Hochul and our partners in ensuring that Buffalo, and all of New York State, continue to build a future where every family can live, work, and thrive with dignity.”
State Senator Sean Ryan said, “Pan-American Square Apartments will be a tremendous addition to Buffalo, bringing 150 affordable homes to a community that desperately needs them. Projects like this show how targeted state funding can make a real difference in addressing our city’s housing affordability crisis. We need to continue taking advantage of state funding opportunities and every other tool available to ensure that all Buffalo families have access to safe, stable, and affordable housing.”
State Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes said, “Affordable housing, substance abuse and mental health counseling are three societal issues that demand immediate solutions. Thanks to Governor Hochul’s Office and New York State Homes and Community Renewal, residents in the city of Buffalo who are struggling with mental health, or substance abuse, or homelessness can find support in the Pan-American Square Apartments.”
Buffalo Mayor Christopher P. Scanlon added, “The completion of Pan-American Square Apartments marks another important milestone in our shared commitment to ensuring that every Buffalo resident has access to safe, affordable, and supportive housing. This development not only provides stability and opportunity for those most in need but also pays tribute to the legacy of the Pan-American Exposition through its thoughtful design and focus on community. I want to thank Governor Hochul, New York State Homes and Community Renewal, and DePaul Properties for their continued partnership and investment in Buffalo’s neighborhoods as we work together to build a stronger, more inclusive city.”
Mark Fuller, President of DePaul, said, “DePaul is grateful to Governor Hochul, New York State and all of our partners for their support in building affordable, healthy, and resilient communities. The Pan-American Square Apartments exemplifies how partnership, resilient design, and equity can tackle Buffalo’s housing crisis, offering stable housing and person-centered services for those we serve. The development is a catalyst for community revitalization and a model for affordable, sustainable living in New York.”
Governor Hochul has prioritized increasing New York’s affordable housing supply through legislative initiatives. Recent state budgets have included more than $1.5 billion in new funding for housing programs and policies aimed at improving affordability for renters and homebuyers. These measures complement the Governor’s ongoing five-year plan to create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes statewide.
Currently, more than 350 communities have received Pro-Housing certification under the state’s program granting exclusive access to discretionary state funding. The city of Buffalo is among these certified communities.
