On October 16, our design team joined DePaul and state and local officials to celebrate the completion of Pan-American Square Apartments, a $93 million, affordable housing development in Buffalo.
Repurposing a long-abandoned rail corridor on Buffalo’s West Side, the three-building complex offers 150 much-needed affordable and supportive apartments for families, seniors, and individuals in need of on-site services. Designed and built to meet Passive House (PHIUS+ 2018 Source Zero) standards, the development incorporates highly insulated walls, energy recovery ventilation, and all-electric systems, delivering exceptional energy efficiency, air quality, and year-round comfort.
“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,” said New York State Energy Research and Development Authority President and CEO Doreen M. Harris. “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.”
On-site support services include case management, health care coordination, transportation assistance, community integration, and independent living skills education. Several apartments are fully accessible, designed to accommodate residents with mobility, hearing, or visual impairments. The community also offers outdoor green spaces with a landscaped patio, seating areas, and connections to a pedestrian and bike trail. An on-site commercial kitchen provides daily meals for residents, supporting wellness and social connection.
Named in honor of the 1901 Pan-American Exposition, the project draws inspiration from the site’s history as a former rail corridor. The building design celebrates movement and connection, featuring a tall, light-filled lobby with a generous canopy that welcomes residents and visitors alike. Inside, a striking mural of the 1901 World’s Fair anchors the lobby, while an illuminated Buffalo skyline in the community room pays tribute to the city’s enduring spirit of innovation and pride.
“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,” said Buffalo Mayor Christopher Scanlon.
SWBR provided architectural, graphic design, interior design, landscape architecture, and structural engineering design services for the project.
Read the full New York State announcement here: New York State Homes and Community Renewal Announces Opening of 150-Unit Affordable Housing Development | Homes and Community Renewal
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