SCHENECTADY, NY – A long-abandoned neighborhood landmark is once again filled with life. On January 29, 2026, SWBR joined local officials and area residents to commemorate the ribbon-cutting of Elmer Gardens, a new apartment complex in Schenectady’s Eastern Avenue corridor.
Born from a partnership between developers Home Leasing, LLC and Better Community Neighborhoods, Inc., the supportive housing community will accommodate residents aged 55 and older earning up to 60% of the median income, as well as individuals transitioning out of homelessness – meeting a critical need while strengthening cultural vitality and the City’s urban fabric.
Constructed in 1905 as the Elmer Avenue Elementary school, the 55,000 SF building had stood vacant since 2018. Our Housing team worked closely with New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) to revitalize the structure while honoring its historic character and Neoclassical architectural legacy.
Through adaptive reuse, classrooms were transformed into 51 contemporary apartment units. Original window openings were restored for authenticity, while high‑performance fixtures and upgrades were incorporated to meet modern Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), National Park Service, and New York State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) standards. A newly installed elevator ensures accessibility for residents with mobility, hearing, and visual impairments.
Environmental stewardship was a priority, with the all-electric design introducing rooftop solar panels, ENERGY STAR appliances, and expedient HVAC systems that operate 25% more efficiently than the ENERGY STAR baseline. Shared spaces – such as the preserved auditorium, now a multipurpose gathering venue for tenants and visiting families – encourage connection, complemented by a fitness room, a pet washing station, an intergenerational playground, and a landscaped garden patio.
“Everyone deserves a safe, affordable home where they can age with dignity,” noted SWBR Architect Brian Dionne, AIA, who served as project manager. “Elmer Gardens represents how thoughtful collaboration can not only make that possible for people of all ages and abilities, but provide a second chance at life for beloved community assets.”
The $18.3 million venture advances HCR’s effort to create or reinvigorate 800 affordable homes in Schenectady County, more than 600 of which are in the City proper. Elmer Gardens also aligns with Governor Hochul’s $25 billion five-year Housing Plan, which aims to deliver 100,000 affordable homes statewide.
With additional backing from the Schenectady Community Action Program, 26 units will offer on-site services to help formerly unhoused residents maintain stable, independent living.
SWBR provided architecture design services for the project.
Read the full New York State announcement here: Governor Hochul Announces Historic School in Schenectady Reimagined as Affordable Senior Housing
Additional News Stories:
Historic Elmer Avenue school transformed into affordable housing