HORNELL, N.Y. (WENY) -- There are 39 new affordable apartments in Hornell after a multi-million dollar project to convert an old school has wrapped up work. Governor Kathy Hochul made the announcement on Thursday, January 25th that work at the Bryant School Apartments is finished. 

"The city of Hornell is in tune with our statewide, multi-pronged efforts to solve the housing crisis and create communities with strong local economies that people of all income levels can be proud to call home. This innovative project will create the types of high-quality, sustainable homes that my administration is supporting in every corner of New York," Hochul said in a prepared statement. 

The project cost $14.3 million, with $7.7 million in Federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, $2 million in State Low Income Housing Tax Credits and $3.5 million in subsidy from HCR. While the Bryant School closed in 2021, the existing two-story, 50,000-square-foot building was renovated with a new 8,500-square-foot addition constructed at the south end of the building.

“Every New Yorker in the Southern Tier deserves access to safe affordable housing and I am proud that the Federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit, that I fought hard to bolster, has supplied the millions needed to transform this former, out-of-use school into dozens of new affordable homes. These apartments will not only put a roof over vulnerable New Yorkers’ heads, but will also provide residents easy access to public transportation so they can get to work, medical appointments, and school," said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer in a prepared statement. 

The developers, Park Grove Development and Providence Housing, worked to preserve the school’s original hallway tile, entrance sign, playground, mature trees, and fenced-in greenspace. On top of that, modern amenities including a fitness center, community room with kitchen, and laundry rooms on each floor were added. 

"State investments in affordable, energy-efficient, and excellent housing in our communities continue to strengthen the fabric of neighborhoods and the quality of life for residents and families in the city of Hornell and communities across this region and state. We are grateful to Park Grove and Providence, as well as to Mayor Buckley and local leaders for seeing through an important commitment that will deliver critical short- and long-term benefits to continue revitalizing and strengthening the entire Hornell community," said State Sen. Tom O'Mara. 

Along with being affordable, each unit is being equipped with high speed internet. Along with the amenities, the energy-efficient building is adjacent to public transit and within a mile of Hornell's downtown district.  

"I am pleased to welcome the Bryant School Apartments to the city of Hornell. I commend Park Grove Realty for the successful completion of this beautiful project and their continued investment in the city of Hornell," said City of Hornell Mayor John J. Buckley.

The announcement of the finished apartments is part of a program called Southern Tier Soaring, which Hochul's Office says is a comprehensive strategy to generate economic growth and community development. 

“The new Bryant School Apartments are a perfect example of adaptive reuse and reinvestment in our local infrastructure. This is great news for the City of Hornell and the local community," said Assemblymember Phil Palmesano said.