Center City Courtyard

Organization Name: CSD Housing & HELP Development Corp.

Project Title: Center City Courtyard

Project Location: Rochester, NY

Project Description:
Center City Courtyard is a $72 million affordable and supportive housing community developed by HELPDevCo and CSD Housing in the heart of downtown Rochester. Built on a former parking lot at 99 W. Main Street, the five-story, all-electric building provides 164 affordable apartments for households earning up to 80% of the Area Median Income, including 95 supportive units for formerly homeless individuals and families. The project reflects a strong commitment to sustainability and inclusion through its modern, energy-efficient design. Rooftop solar panels, high-performance heat pumps, free internet, and a large, publicly accessible courtyard create long-term affordability, connectivity, and comfort for residents. State and local partners, including NYS HCR, OTDA, and the City of Rochester, helped bring this transformative development to life. Center City Courtyard replaces an underutilized downtown site with a vibrant and welcoming community where all Rochesterians can live, work, and thrive.

Community Impact:
Center City Courtyard improves the lives of low-income and formerly homeless families through a holistic model of supportive housing and purpose-built community space. 95 apartments are reserved for veterans, individuals with mental illness or substance use disorder, and people reentering the community after incarceration. Three nonprofit organizations—Eagle Star Housing, Helio Health, and the Urban League of Rochester—collaborate on-site to deliver case management, mental health and addiction recovery services, employment assistance, and life-skills training that promote lasting stability. Nearly 3,000 square feet of office space for service staff ensures direct and personalized access to care. Residents and community members also benefit from the 1,000-square-foot landscaped courtyard, fitness center, terrace, and community room that foster connection and well-being. The building’s all-electric, energy-efficient design reduces utility costs and supports a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle for all residents.

Organization Description:
HELPDevCo is a non-profit dedicated to crafting high-quality affordable and supportive housing to ensure that individuals and families live with pride and dignity. CSD’s mission is to partner with the region's top not-for-profit service providers for the purpose of developing exceptional supportive and affordable housing solutions that enrich the lives of individuals in the community. Combined, HELPDevCo and CSD have participated in 66+ affordable and supportive housing projects that have created over 5,300 affordable homes throughout NYS.

Team Members:

Thank you to Christa Construction, Passero Associates, LaBella, Richman Capital, Chase Bank, CSH, Barclay Damon, Landsman Real Estate, the service providers, and all city and state agencies involved.