Hochul: $250 million redevelopment underway at Buffalo's Marine Drive public housing complex

Initial phase of apartments will create 254 affordable units; 3-phase plan will ultimately bring 730 new affordable homes to Buffalo’s waterfront

Information provided by the Office of Gov. Kathy Hochul

Gov. Kathy Hochul announced construction is underway at the redevelopment of Marine Drive Apartments, a 70-year-old public housing complex in Buffalo. The $250 million first phase of the three-phase transformation will include the new construction of 254 apartments across four buildings. When complete, the entire $600 million Marine Drive redevelopment will replace the original 616 units with approximately 730 new apartments.

Under Hochul’s leadership, New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) has created or preserved more than 11,600 affordable homes in Erie County, including more than 8,300 in Buffalo. Marine Drive phase I continues this effort and is part of Hochul’s $25 billion five-year housing plan, which is on track to create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes statewide.

“The Marine Drive redevelopment will help transform the Lake Erie waterfront for generations to come,” Hochul said. “Our administration is prioritizing projects like this – investments that enhance affordability, revitalize neighborhoods and modernize housing. This project reflects our commitment to building modern, affordable housing that strengthens communities and expands opportunities.”

Built in the 1950s, the preexisting, seven-building Marine Drive housing complex is now nearly obsolete. The three-phase redevelopment will create hundreds of modern, affordable homes and support the continued transformation of Buffalo’s waterfront.

The 254 apartments constructed in the first phase will be affordable to households earning up to 120% of the area median income. There will be a mix of studio, one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom units. All current residents will remain in their homes until new apartments are completed, ensuring there will be no displacement during construction.

Developed by The Habitat Co., Duvernay and Brooks, and Bridges Development, an affiliate of the Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority, the development team worked closely with existing residents and the surrounding community to ensure resident input shaped the project’s design and timeline. The project is included in the City of Buffalo’s four-year strategic plan.

The plan also includes 5,000 square-feet of new retail and commercial space, a new community center, landscaped green spaces, and a public plaza, as well as upgrades to the site’s essential infrastructure including the electrical grid and the sewer and water lines.

Marine Drive is located on the Lake Erie waterfront, in downtown Buffalo, and within walking distance of the Buffalo Metrorail and the city’s Amtrak station. The project features will bring economic benefits to the entire neighborhood.

Marine Drive phase I will be all-electric, with energy-efficient appliances, water-conserving plumbing fixtures, LED lighting, and an energy recovery ventilation system to improve indoor air quality. It also will have fully accessible and adaptable apartments. There will be 27 units to accommodate residents with mobility disabilities and seven units to accommodate residents with sensory disabilities.

Marine Drive phase I is supported by HCR’s Federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program, which is expected to generate $81 million in equity, its State Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program, which is expected to generate $18 million in equity, and $93 million in subsidy.

The site participated in the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation's successful brownfield cleanup program and became eligible for $31.6 million in tax credits administered by the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance. The Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority provided $4 million in capital funding, the Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency provided $2 million in HOME funding, and the City of Buffalo provided $900,000 in infrastructure funding.

More than 100 units will be covered under a Section 8 project-based housing assistance payment contract issued under the guidelines of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development rental assistance demonstration program to be administered by the Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority. Another 36 units will receive Section 8 project-based vouchers administered by HCR.

NYS HCR Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, “The Marine Drive redevelopment plan shows what is possible when the state collaborates with local government and the community. It represents a significant $250 million investment that will help realize Gov. Hochul’s vision to transform Buffalo’s historic waterfront into a vibrant mixed-income hub while preserving much-needed public housing. Thank you to the development team, to the city, and to the entire community for your dedication to affordable housing.”

BMHA Executive Director Gillian D. Brown said, “This once-in-a-generation affordable housing development, which will improve the quality of life for Marine Drive residents, while building on the transformation of Buffalo’s Inner Harbor, would not be possible without the unwavering support of Gov. Hochul and tremendous investment by New York state.”

The Habitat Co.’s Affordable Group Vice President of Development Jeff Head said, “The start of construction at Marine Drive marks an important step forward for Buffalo and for the hundreds of families who call this community home. Working alongside our partners, residents and state and local leaders, we have created a plan that preserves affordability, expands housing opportunities and ensures current residents can remain part of the community throughout the redevelopment process. We are proud to help transform Marine Drive into a modern waterfront neighborhood that will serve Buffalo for generations to come.”