Johnson Park Green Community Apartments

Organization Name: JCTOD Outreach, Inc. & Rockabill Development

Project Title: Johnson Park Green Community Apartments

Project Location: Cornhill Section of Utica, NY

Project Description:
Johnson Park Green Community Apartments include 62 units of affordable and supportive housing and a 12,000sf community center in the Johnson Park-Cornhill neighborhood of Utica. The development includes a 51-unit, three-story building, a 9-unit duplex, and a 2-unit duplex. All apartments are affordable to households with incomes up to 40 percent of the Area Median Income. Half of the apartments are reserved for households in need of support services, including seniors and those struggling with homelessness and mental health challenges. The brand-new community center houses a robust food pantry, classroom space for local pre-k programs, and offices for support services for residents of Johnson Park Apartments and the surrounding Cornhill neighborhood. The three residence buildings are constructed to Passive House Standards and equipped with Energy Recovery Ventilation systems, which are energy-efficient systems that constantly exhaust and bring in fresh air. The buildings are heated and cooled with high-efficiency variable refrigerant flow air source heat pumps, ensuring optimal tenant comfort and energy efficiency. The buildings are furnished with ENERGY STAR appliances and have rooftop solar arrays.

Community Impact:
Welcome to the Johnson Park-Cornhill section of Utica, a special place that has transformed over the last 25+ years! Starting with a small women’s shelter and now with almost 100 housing units, an 18-bed emergency family shelter and a community center, the neighborhood is alive with positive change. Affordable housing is crucial but only part of the big picture; the emphasis here is on building a strong, vibrant, inclusive community and supporting those vulnerable members who need an extra hand with everyday living. When people move to Johnson Park, they become part of something bigger. Whether it is volunteering at the food pantry or gardening in the park, they feel a sense of belonging. The residential buildings surround a beautiful open green park, where many neighborhood activities take place. The new community center offers social services for the tenants and the surrounding neighborhood. It includes a food pantry, educational facilities, and recreational space where tenants can connect and improve their lives. The residential buildings are Passive House Certified, the leading standard for energy-efficient construction, ensuring the best comfort for tenants while also being cost-effective.

Organization Description:
JCTOD Outreach, Inc. (dba Johnson Park Center/ JPC), was established in 1995 by Rev. Dr. Maria A. Scates, D.D. This area was once known for drugs, crime, violence, and being full of trash and debris. Positive change emerged through vision, commitment, hard work, and community development strategies anchored in affordable, low-income, safe and supportive housing. Today, Johnson Park is a beautiful, clean and safe place. The mission of JPC is to serve the residents and promote the revitalization of the Johnson Park-Cornhill neighborhood of Utica.

Team Members:

JCTOD Outreach, Inc. as Co-Developer
Rockabill Development LLC as Co-Developer
SWBR Architecture
Pike Construction
Cannon Heyman & Weiss is the Project attorney
Rochester Management, Inc.