Construction has started on the Waltemade Residence, a $74 million adaptive reuse project in Mount Vernon, Westchester County. The development will transform a former four-story skilled nursing facility into more than 100 affordable apartments for seniors. The initiative is part of New York State’s ongoing efforts to address housing shortages and climate challenges by renovating existing buildings.
Governor Kathy Hochul emphasized the importance of supporting older residents, stating, “As we work to boost the supply of affordable housing across the state, it’s vitally important New York’s seniors are given the opportunity to remain in the communities they call home. Waltemade Residence is one of several important investments we’re making in Mount Vernon and it provides the modern, secure, energy-efficient apartments the city needs today and into the future.”
New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas highlighted collaboration among stakeholders: “Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, seniors in Mount Vernon will have an affordable, safe and accessible place to call home on the beautiful Wartburg campus. Thank you to Wartburg and Rockabill Development, as well as County Executive Jenkins and Mayor Patterson-Howard, for helping to repurpose an existing building that will create more than 100 units and enable seniors to age in place in their own community.”
The Waltemade Residence will be available to individuals aged 62 or older with household incomes up to 80 percent of Area Median Income. Thirty units are reserved for seniors with chronic conditions or disabilities who have experienced homelessness; these units are supported through state programs such as the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative.
Located on Wartburg’s 34-acre campus—a non-profit organization with over a century of service—the new residence offers access to independent living options alongside memory care and rehabilitation services. Amenities include walking paths, gardens, shuttle service for local errands, an art studio, laundry facilities, fitness center, broadband internet access in every unit, and accommodations for those with mobility or sensory impairments.
The development is co-led by The Wartburg Residential Community Inc. and Rockabill Development LLC. Funding sources include $24.2 million from federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits administered by HCR; $5.4 million from state tax credits; $2.3 million from the Supportive Housing Opportunity Program; $12.5 million from the Senior Housing Program; over $8.1 million from Westchester County’s Housing Flex Fund; and $600,000 from Mount Vernon’s HOME fund.
This project aligns with other affordable housing initiatives underway in Mount Vernon—such as Opal 115 (315 units near a rail station) and QWest Towers (229 units)—which are also supported by HCR.
State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald commented on the value of such developments: “Governor Hochul’s commitment to energy-efficient, affordable and supportive housing is a tremendous asset for communities across New York. It is essential that aging New Yorkers have the ability to transition comfortably into later stages of life. The numerous independent living options at the Waltemade Residence will help ensure those needs are met.”
Federal officials expressed support for expanding senior housing opportunities. Senator Charles Schumer stated: “Every family in Mount Vernon deserves a safe and affordable place to call home. I’m proud that the federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit that I worked hard to protect and expand has delivered millions to help convert a former nursing facility into more than 100 affordable and energy-efficient units. High housing costs are a key driver of inflation so we must build more housing for working people to bring down those high prices. I applaud Governor Hochul’s work increasing access to housing for working families in Mount Vernon and across the Hudson Valley, and I will continue working to deliver federal resources to deliver more affordable housing across New York.”
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand added: “Our seniors have spent their entire lives contributing to our communities, and they deserve access to high-quality and affordable housing options that allow them to age with dignity. Waltemade Residence will help expand access to supportive services, combat skyrocketing housing costs, and boost Mount Vernon’s economy. I am proud to support this project and will continue fighting for federal resources that help ensure every New Yorker has a place to call home.”
Other officials—including Senator Jamaal T. Bailey, Assemblyman J. Gary Pretlow, Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins, Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard—praised both public-private collaboration behind Waltemade Residence as well as its focus on sustainable design.
Wartburg President Dr. David Gentner said: “We are grateful that our public and private sector partners share our vision to reposition senior care and housing while strengthening the existing infrastructure. As we begin renovations, we celebrate an exciting milestone in our vision to serve future generations of seniors with access to the housing and support they need.”
Rockabill Managing Principal Niall Murray noted: “We are grateful for the trust that Wartburg Lutheran has placed in Rockabill … We are thankful … for their financial support …”
This project forms part of Governor Hochul’s broader strategy addressing statewide affordability through capital funding measures—including tax incentives—and policies aimed at renters’ protections.More information about New York’s five-year plan aims at creating or preserving 100,000 affordable homes (including 10% set aside for vulnerable populations), electrifying additional homes statewide,recently enacted budgets which provide over $1.5 billion new state funding plus exclusive program access via Pro-Housing Community certification—which now includes over 360 localities such as Mount Vernon.
