New York Construction Report staff writer
A $115 million redevelopment project in Schenectady’s Hamilton Hill neighborhood will transform a former car dealership site into a mixed-use community featuring a full-service grocery store, more than 170 affordable and workforce housing units, greenspace and community amenities.
The project is at 750 State Street, where the Schenectady County Metroplex Development Authority has partnered with the state, The Community Builders, Five Corners Development and Save A Lot to redevelop the vacant property.
Construction of the new grocery store is expected to begin in 2027, with an opening planned for spring 2028. Housing development will take place on Albany and State streets within one block of the new store.
“Communities across the state deserve to feel uplifted and seen, especially in Schenectady, and we are delivering on that promise to the Hamilton Hill neighborhood,” Governor Hochul said. “With additional housing and a full-service grocery store right in the neighborhood, residents will be able to live in the neighborhood they grew up in, close to their families, and be able to get groceries without having to plan for additional commuting time.”
The 2.2-acre State Street site, formerly home to a car dealership, was purchased by the Schenectady County Legislature for $950,000. The existing building was demolished using a $2.75 million Restore New York grant from Empire State Development.
The property will undergo remediation through New York State’s Brownfield Program, administered by the Department of Environmental Conservation, before construction begins. The mixed-use development will include an 85-unit housing component, a 17,250-square-foot Save A Lot grocery store, greenspace, a new playground and parking.
Cleanup work is expected to continue through 2027, with Schenectady County contributing $3 million in grant funding toward new construction.
The redevelopment also includes three additional housing sites at 748 Albany Street, 758 Albany Street and 785 Albany St. Nine vacant buildings were demolished using Metroplex funding to prepare the sites for construction.
Together, the projects will create 171 units of affordable and workforce housing, including 36 supportive housing units. The apartments will include a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom layouts designed to accommodate different household sizes.
Also, a new Save A Lot store will provide private-label and national-brand products, fresh-cut meat, produce and household essentials. The company operates about 650 stores across 29 states and is the largest independently owned and operated value-focused grocery chain in the United States.
The Community Builders (TCB), which is serving as lead developer, has a portfolio that includes more than 18,000 apartment homes across 15 states. The organization has focused on affordable housing development and resident-support programs through its Community Life model.
“We are honored to deepen TCB’s commitment to the City of Schenectady through this partnership, which will deliver the full-service grocery store that residents of the Hamilton Hill and Vale neighborhoods have been asking for,” said Regional Vice President of Real Estate Development Jesse Batus. “This is the kind of concerted, comprehensive action that will strengthen this community for generations.
“TCB could not be prouder to undertake this effort with our great partners at Save A Lot, Metroplex, Five Corners Development, BCNI, and our many government and funding partners to deliver housing and amenities our neighbors deserve.”
The project is expected to become a major redevelopment effort in Hamilton Hill, combining housing, food access and neighborhood revitalization on a previously vacant site.
