New York Construction Report staff writer
Construction is underway on the second phase of a major redevelopment of the Kingston Housing Authority’s housing portfolio, a project that will rehabilitate 158 existing apartments and replace an aging 32-unit development with 80 new apartments for seniors.
The $35 million project is being developed through a partnership between the Kingston Housing Authority and Mountco Construction and Development Corp. It will modernize Colonial Gardens and Wiltwyck Gardens while replacing the obsolete Penn Court development with a new four-story senior housing building.
“Mountco is pleased to continue its partnership with the KHA on Phase II of its Redevelopment Plan to upgrade its housing portfolio,” said Joel B. Mounty, president of Mountco Construction and Development Corp. “We are confident that with the continued support and leadership of the KHA and our development team of New York State HCR, Hudson Housing Capital, JPMorgan Chase and Gateway Hudson Valley, we can deliver this exciting, quality affordable housing development in the City of Kingston.”
Phase II includes the rehabilitation of 98 family apartments at Colonial Gardens and 60 senior apartments at Wiltwyck Gardens. The developments were originally constructed in the 1970s.
The project also calls for demolition of the existing 32-unit Penn Court development and construction of an 80-unit building with one-bedroom apartments for seniors.
All apartments will be affordable to households earning up to 100% of the area median income.
Thirty apartments in the new Penn Court building will be reserved as supportive housing for formerly homeless seniors through the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative. Gateway Hudson Valley will provide supportive services through a partnership with the New York State Department of Health and local service providers.
The project also includes accessibility upgrades, with 13 apartments adapted for households with mobility impairments and six adapted for households with audio or visual impairments.
The buildings will be all-electric and designed to meet Enterprise Green Communities Plus criteria. Sustainable features will include rooftop solar arrays, electric vehicle charging stations and energy-efficient mechanical systems.
The project is receiving approximately $35 million in program funding from New York State Homes and Community Renewal, along with federal and state Low-Income Housing Tax Credits expected to generate nearly $58 million in equity.
The financing also includes $2 million from the Clean Energy Initiative, a partnership between HCR and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, and $700,000 from Ulster County through its Housing Action Grant Program.
NYSERDA President and CEO Doreen M. Harris said the project demonstrates how energy-efficient design can be incorporated into affordable housing.
“NYSERDA is proud to support projects like this that expand access to modern, comfortable and affordable housing in our communities while supporting a more resilient energy system across the state,” Harris said.
State Sen. Michelle Hinchey said the project will help expand affordable housing options while introducing energy-efficient systems that can help reduce utility costs for residents.
“The State funding will allow the Kingston Housing Authority to continue its mission and plans to completely overhaul its entire housing portfolio and add additional affordable housing for the community,” said Harolda Wilcox, executive director of the Kingston Housing Authority.
Phase II follows the completion of Phase I in 2025, which involved the rehabilitation of 120 apartments at the Leonard & Vera Van Dyke Apartments.
Wilcox said the second phase will be a significant step in the authority’s broader redevelopment plan.
“It will be a truly transformative project for the KHA, the City of Kingston and most importantly, for our residents,” she said.
