City of Utica Hails State Funding Announcement for Columbia Square Housing Development

UTICA, NY – “DePaul is proud to build on the success of our Starting Line Apartments in Utica with an important investment in the Columbia Square neighborhood.”, said DePaul President Mark Fuller regarding last week’s announcement from Governor Kathy Hochul of an award of $9 million in tax credits and subsidies for the Columbia Square Apartment project. 

As a longtime proponent of the project dating back to his days as President of the Common Council, Mayor Michael P. Galime expressed his appreciation for the support from Governor Hochul and Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas of the State’s Homes & Community Renewal, who directly administers the funding, “Governor Hochul and Commissioner Visnauskas are working to create safe, affordable housing across New York State.  The allocation of State assistance to this project will significantly revitalize a once-forgotten neighborhood in West Utica and provide nearly seventy units of modern housing for our residents.”

Located along the north side of Whitesboro Street between DeWitt and Saratoga Streets, the proposed project has been designed with a townhouse-style façade so as to fit into the context of the surrounding neighborhood.  The project is expected to cost roughly $18 million and will be the second housing project by DePaul in the City of Utica, the first being the Start Line Apartments on Dwyer Ave.

DePaul President Mark Fuller added, “DePaul is grateful to Governor Hochul, New York State, and all of our partners for their support to build the Columbia Square Apartments. The development demonstrates the power of collaboration, resilient design, and a strong commitment to equity in addressing Utica’s housing crisis. By creating stable, affordable housing paired with compassionate, person-centered services, we are helping individuals and families build brighter futures.”