New York Construction Report staff writer
Construction has started at Wallace Campus, a $147 million, 187-unit mixed-use affordable housing development in Poughkeepsie, Dutchess County. The project, located on Main Street, will transform a vacant department store along with two new buildings
Developed by Mega Development Group and Ametrine Group, in partnership with on-site social services provider Mental Health America of Dutchess County, the development transforms the former Wallace Department Store into 69 apartments and creates an additional 118 units across two new buildings.
“This transformative development is a model for how the public and private sectors can work together to address New York’s urgent need for housing,” said Mega Group Development Principal Emanuel Kokinakis. “We are proud to collaborate with Ametrine Group, Mental Health America of Dutchess County, NYSHCR, Wells Fargo, the City of Poughkeepsie and our State and local partners to reactivate this long-underutilized site in a way that will serve the needs of this community for generations to come.”
Designed by SLCE Architects, the development includes 22,000 sq. ft. of ground-floor commercial retail space spread across all three buildings on the northwest corner of Main and Catharine Streets.
Originally constructed in the 1870s, the Wallace Department Store operated as a major retail destination in Poughkeepsie until it closed in the 1970s. The building remained underutilized for decades and has been completely vacant since 2022. Construction will preserve the limestone façade, existing stairways and ornate dome ceiling on the fourth floor.
The project will include a mix of hard-scape pathways with benches and other areas for public use, including a green space and children’s play area called Wallace Green. Two of the buildings will have wraparound windows on their ground floors, helping connect the tenants with the green space.
“The Wallace Campus revitalization project reflects New York’s leadership in building affordable, energy efficient housing, while preserving the historic character that defines our communities,” said NYSERDA President and CEO Doreen M. Harris. “Transforming this former department store with modern, high-performance retrofits will help reduce energy usage for residents and create a more sustainable future for Dutchess County.”
“New York State’s Brownfield Cleanup Program is a vital tool that supports community revitalization across the state, helping clean up environmental pollution and support local economic development efforts,” said New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton. “The Wallace Campus project in the City of Poughkeepsie is the latest example of how this successful cleanup program is helping advance Governor Hochul’s continued efforts to increase affordable, sustainable housing statewide while protecting public health and the environment.”
