Olbiston Apartments

Organization Name: Liberty Affordable Housing Inc.

Project Title: Olbiston Apartments

Project Location: Utica, NY

Project Description:
The Olbiston Apartments project is a remarkable example of Liberty’s ability to take on complex and challenging developments. This 126-year-old, historically significant building faced condemnation in 2021, and Liberty’s vision and determination brought it back to life. The Olbiston now serves as a 153-unit affordable housing complex, providing secure, modern, and energy-efficient homes for individuals and families earning 50%, 60%, and 80% of the area median income (AMI). This project exemplifies how affordable housing can preserve historical landmarks while offering state-of-the-art amenities. The transformation of the Olbiston Apartments is nothing short of extraordinary. The building, once deteriorated and on the brink of being lost, has been restored with attention to preserving its architectural beauty, including the original hardwood flooring, intricate ironwork, and stunning marble accents.

Community Impact:
Beyond the physical rehabilitation of the property, Liberty Affordable Housing has gone above and beyond to serve the local community and special populations. Their partnership with Federal and State agencies was critical to the success of the Olbiston project, and their commitment to bettering the community of Utica is reflected in their dedication to providing safe and affordable housing options. The investment in this project not only benefits the residents but also the broader community by preserving a historic landmark and contributing to the revitalization of the area. The Olbiston Apartments project provided much-needed housing for 153 families in Utica, but it also restored hope and pride in a community that had feared losing a significant piece of its history. Liberty’s ability to restore this landmark while addressing the needs of low- to moderate-income households demonstrates their vision for what affordable housing can and should be: a place where families not only live but thrive.

Liberty and The Olbiston Apartments has set a new standard for non-profit developers, showcasing how mission-driven organizations can make a lasting impact on both individuals and communities.

Organization Description:
Liberty Affordable Housing Inc. (Liberty) is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit developer headquartered in Rome, New York. Liberty was incorporated in 2002 and has a community-based volunteer Board of Directors with a mission to produce, protect and preserve affordable housing. Liberty is a Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO). A CHDO is a private, community-based, not-for-profit organization with experience in providing low-income housing assistance and at least one third of its governing board’s membership are residents of low-income neighborhoods

Team Members:

NYS Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) ; State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), National Park Service (NPS).