East Adams neighborhood to benefit from $107 million project alongside the historic I-81 viaduct removal

New York – The city of Syracuse is on the brink of a major transformation with the start of construction on the $107 million rehabilitation of Almus Olver Towers. This ambitious project aims to modernize public housing while complementing the long-anticipated demolition of the Interstate 81 viaduct. Governor Kathy Hochul’s administration has made it clear that this initiative is not just about infrastructure—it’s about reconnecting communities and ensuring that all New Yorkers have access to affordable, high-quality housing.

The rehabilitation of Almus Olver Towers is part of the East Adams Neighborhood Transformation Plan, a 27-block revitalization effort that seeks to undo decades of division caused by the I-81 viaduct. The project is being led by McCormack Baron Salazar, Inc. in collaboration with the Syracuse Housing Authority. When completed, the development will feature 191 public housing units, up from its original 184, with all apartments reserved for households earning up to 60 percent of the Area Median Income. The primary residents will continue to be seniors aged 55 and older, as well as individuals with disabilities.

Governor Hochul emphasized the broader vision behind the project, stating, “As we move forward with the long-awaited I-81 viaduct demolition in Syracuse, the rehabilitation of Almus Olver Towers fits our broader vision to reconnect communities segregated for decades by highway concrete. This transformative $107 million investment will revitalize a cornerstone of the East Adams neighborhood, modernize the city’s public housing stock, and create new affordable housing opportunities for current and future New Yorkers.”

Transforming Public Housing with Modern Amenities

Originally built in 1963, Almus Olver Towers is undergoing a comprehensive overhaul to enhance both the quality of life for residents and the sustainability of the building. The renovation will include upgraded kitchens and bathrooms, improved common areas, a newly replaced roof, and a modernized facade. A key feature of the project is the construction of an outdoor pavilion with a seating area, giving residents a comfortable communal space to enjoy.

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In addition to aesthetic and functional upgrades, the project is designed with a strong focus on energy efficiency. The building will transition to an all-electric system, featuring energy-efficient heating, cooling, and domestic hot water systems. A geothermal system will be installed to help reduce environmental impact and cut long-term energy costs. These improvements align with Enterprise Green Communities standards, reinforcing New York’s commitment to sustainable development.

State Investment and Housing Commitments

The Almus Olver Towers rehabilitation is part of Governor Hochul’s larger $25 billion, five-year Housing Plan, which aims to create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes across New York State. Over the past five years, more than 3,000 affordable housing units have been created or preserved in Onondaga County alone, further demonstrating the state’s dedication to housing accessibility.

State financing for the project includes State and Federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, generating $53 million in equity, along with a $33 million subsidy from New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR). An additional $3.2 million is being provided through the Clean Energy Initiative, a partnership between HCR and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), to support the integration of energy-efficient systems in affordable housing developments.

RuthAnne Visnauskas, Commissioner of New York State Homes and Community Renewal, highlighted the project’s impact, stating, “Our partnership with the Syracuse Housing Authority on the $107 million rehabilitation of Almus Olver Towers not only preserves 191 apartments for vulnerable New Yorkers, but it also contributes to the reversal of decades of segregation and under-investment in our public housing stock. Thanks to Governor Hochul’s leadership, we are delivering affordable, modern, energy-efficient, and equitable housing options to communities across New York.”

A Broader Effort to Reconnect Communities

The redevelopment of Almus Olver Towers is just one piece of a larger puzzle aimed at improving Syracuse’s East Adams neighborhood. The removal of the I-81 viaduct, which has long acted as a barrier between communities, is expected to restore connectivity and open new opportunities for economic growth and urban development.

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New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez underscored this point, stating, “As we move closer to removing the elevated highway that has divided the City of Syracuse for far too long, we are not only restoring light to this community in the literal sense, but brightening the future for those living in the shadow of the viaduct. As we work to reconnect communities cut off by the aging infrastructure, we are improving access and unlocking new opportunities for growth.”

Local Leaders Praise the Project’s Impact

The redevelopment efforts have garnered widespread support from local and state leaders, who recognize the importance of investing in affordable housing and sustainable infrastructure.

Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “Today, we are celebrating progress toward improving housing and quality of life in the East Adams neighborhood. The Almus Olver Towers project will provide safe, accessible, and affordable housing for some of our most vulnerable city residents without having to relocate occupants outside the building. It will also create housing we can all be proud of by incorporating energy-efficient and sustainable features that will improve living conditions and save occupants money.”

Syracuse Housing Authority Executive Director William J. Simmons reinforced the importance of the project beyond just physical improvements. “This renovation is about much more than bricks and mortar. It’s about honoring our residents and ensuring they have a safe, modern, and dignified place to call home. We’re proud to work alongside our partners to preserve deeply affordable housing and move one step closer to a stronger, more connected, and revitalized East Adams community.”

A Step Forward for Sustainable Housing

New York’s commitment to clean energy is embedded within the project, aligning with broader state efforts to transition to a more sustainable economy. NYSERDA President and CEO Doreen M. Harris emphasized the role of energy efficiency in housing developments, stating, “Today, we take another step toward transforming New York’s affordable housing stock into clean, modern living with construction starting on the rehabilitation of Almus Olver Towers. This development will feature highly efficient upgrades, such as electric heating and cooling, and creates the opportunity for more families in Syracuse’s East Adams neighborhood to benefit from healthier, more comfortable living spaces.”

A Future of Growth and Inclusion

As Governor Hochul’s administration continues to address New York’s housing crisis, projects like the Almus Olver Towers rehabilitation serve as key examples of how targeted investments can revitalize communities. The FY25 Enacted Budget includes additional funding and policy changes aimed at increasing the state’s housing supply, strengthening tenant protections, and ensuring equitable development across regions.

McCormack Baron Salazar Co-Founder and Chairman Richard Baron expressed confidence in the project’s success, saying, “We’re proud to kickstart our partnership with the Syracuse Housing Authority and the City of Syracuse with the renovation of Almus Olver Towers. We’re also grateful to New York State Homes and Community Renewal for their impressive commitment to this project and to the broader East Adams transformation.”

The rehabilitation of Almus Olver Towers stands as a beacon of progress in the ongoing mission to provide quality, sustainable, and affordable housing in Syracuse. As the project moves forward, it promises to not only improve the lives of residents but also contribute to the overall revitalization of a community that has long awaited change.