Rochester launches new housing pilot to deliver factory-built homes on vacant city lots and support first-time homebuyers

Rochester, New York – In an ambitious move to address housing challenges and expand access to homeownership, the City of Rochester has officially launched a new initiative focused on modular and manufactured homes. On June 3, Mayor Malik D. Evans announced the release of a Request for Proposals (RFP) inviting developers to participate in a pilot project that will bring up to nine factory-built homes to city-owned lots in Northeast Rochester.

The program, part of a broader housing strategy developed by the city, is targeted specifically at areas along Wilder, Davis, Lewis, and High Streets—neighborhoods that have long struggled with vacancy, disinvestment, and housing inequities. Through this effort, city officials hope to breathe new life into these communities while offering affordable paths to homeownership for income-qualified residents.

“Quality housing is the foundation of strong families, thriving neighborhoods, and a prosperous city,” said Mayor Evans. “We are working every day to make Rochester a city of opportunity for renters, first-time homebuyers, and everyone in between. Testing the feasibility of modular and manufactured housing is just one more way we’re creatively and strategically working to increase homeownership in the city.”

The RFP calls for homebuilders who specialize in modular or HUD-certified manufactured homes to submit designs that meet all local building codes and fit aesthetically into the surrounding residential landscape. The emphasis is on creating high-quality, single-family homes that don’t just fill empty lots but elevate the fabric of the neighborhoods they occupy.

Read also: Norwood man faces multiple charges after late-night arrest for tampering with evidence and driving while intoxicated

According to city officials, the pilot is more than a construction project—it’s a test case for a more nimble, cost-conscious way of building homes. Modular and manufactured housing, both built in factories and then transported to final sites, can slash building time and potentially lower costs, making them ideal options for cities battling inflation and a widening affordability gap.

By tapping into these nontraditional building methods, Rochester hopes to find sustainable solutions that serve residents historically excluded from the housing market. In particular, the city aims to offer homeownership opportunities to households earning between 80% and 120% of the Area Median Income (AMI). For added support, eligible buyers can take advantage of the City’s Home Purchase Assistance Program, which helps cover down payments and closing costs for first-time homebuyers.

The initiative is part of a much larger housing investment strategy under Mayor Evans’ administration. Since the beginning of 2022, the City has supported more than $1 billion in housing-related investments. Of that amount, $300 million has gone toward developing market-rate housing, helping ensure that Rochester can offer living options for residents at every income level.

City planners see this pilot as a pivotal opportunity to test whether modular and manufactured construction can be part of the long-term solution for housing in Rochester. If the model proves successful, it could open the door to more widespread use of factory-built homes across the city—especially in areas where traditional construction costs and timelines have made development difficult or unaffordable.

Read also:Robert Pearson announces his retirement after more than four decades leading RIT’s microelectronic engineering program

“We are working every day to make Rochester a city of opportunity for renters, first-time homebuyers, and everyone in between,” the Mayor added in his announcement. “Testing the feasibility of modular and manufactured housing is just one more way we’re creatively and strategically working to increase homeownership in the city.”

Developers interested in responding to the RFP must submit their proposals to the City by Monday, July 9, 2025, at 4 p.m. EST. Submissions should be sent via email to [email protected]. Full details, including eligibility requirements and proposal guidelines, are available online at www.cityofrochester.gov/modularhomes.

As the city moves forward with this new approach, community members and housing advocates alike will be watching closely. Whether modular and manufactured housing can deliver lasting change remains to be seen—but for now, Rochester is putting innovation on the table in its fight to build a more inclusive and equitable housing market.