BUFFALO, N.Y. — A new affordable housing apartment complex in the Fruit Belt neighborhood on Michigan Avenue and Best Street has been completed.
The $93 million project replaced Pilgrim Village with 237 affordable units for families and seniors. Governor Kathy Hochul’s office said the units are affordable to those with income at or below 60% of the median income in the area. The apartment complex is all-electric and includes the family units in 1100 Michigan and senior units known as Noles Court.
State Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes (D-141) said the project will help bring the community back to the East Buffalo location.
“I believe that the tight-knit sense of community and ownership will return with the residents and only grow with occupancy,” she said.
The finished complex is within walking distance from the Summer-Best station, close to the City Honors School, and next to the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus.
Mayor Byron Brown said he is “proud” of the project bringing new affordable housing and community to seniors and families.
“Watching them enjoy environmentally friendly living in a neighborhood close to parks and other amenities is exactly what we want, and a big part of Buffalo’s continuing economic revival,” he said.
Noles Court offers 105 apartments to 55 and older residents with units reserved for those who need supportive services. According to the Governor’s office, Catholic Charities of Buffalo is tasked with providing emotional, mental, and physical health services on-site.
1100 Michigan houses 132 apartments with community spaces and amenities like a playground, green space, computer lab, and library.
Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz said the completion of a project will help solve a housing problem in the area.
“There is a scarcity of affordable, efficient housing across America and in Erie County as well, so the addition of this new complex is good news on several fronts,” he said.
According to the Governor’s office, the buildings are designed for net-zero energy with features like a forced air heat pump system and rooftop solar arrays to achieve the energy goals.