This Court Street building is being transformed into 111 apartments: What to know

A City of Binghamton project will create 111 apartments at a Court Street space that has been vacant for 13 years.

Previously known as the Sheltered Workshop for the Disabled Inc., the building was constructed in 1947 and provided employment, job assistance and medical care for people battling mental and physical disabilities.

The warehouse and office space are now being renovated for veterans facing homelessness and other people looking for an independent living residence. Eighty units will be updated and reconstructed, the remaining 31 apartments will be new structures.

The project is part of New York Gov. Kathy Hochul's $25 billion housing plan to create and preserve 100,000 affordable homes across New York, including 10,000 with support services for vulnerable populations, plus the addition of electricity to 50,000 homes.

“Court Street Apartments will ensure that more than 100 families and veterans can afford to stay in Binghamton while also repurposing vacant spaces that support the city’s continued revitalization efforts,” Hochul said in a statement.

Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo highlighted the importance of the project, and said, "from a historic point of view, it continues the legacy of what this building was for a very long time.”

New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskassaid the project was an example of the Pro-Housing Communities program in action. "We are proud to work with Helio Health and the city as they put their commitment to housing to work," Visnauskas said, "increasing supply and enhancing quality of life for more than 100 households."

Over the past five years, 3,400 homes have been created by New York State Housing and Community Renewal. Assistant commissioner Lenny Skrill said, “We are just getting started.”

Court Street Apartments will be funded and supported by HCR’s Low Income Housing Tax Credit program, HCR’s Supportive Housing Opportunity Program, Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance’s Homeless Housing and Assistance Program, Clean Energy Initiative, permanent tax-exempt permanent bonds and Federal and State Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credits.