Preservation League of NYS awards DePaul Carriage Factory Apartments; For Excellence in Historic Preservation

The Preservation League of New York State has recognized the DePaul Carriage Factory Apartments with its Excellence in Historic Preservation award. The league's statewide awards program honors notable achievements in retaining, promoting and reusing New York's irreplaceable architectural heritage. "The Cunningham Carriage Factory was built for the production of horse-drawn carriages, and output changed with the times — from automobiles and ambulances to tanks and airplanes," said Jay DiLorenzo, president of the Preservation League. "After some 80 years, production ceased and the building was on the verge of collapse. The Carriage Factory now provides affordable housing and serves as a complement to the ongoing revitalization of the surrounding area." The five-story, 73,000 s/f Cunningham Carriage Factory was one of the oldest manufacturing plants in the city. The rehabilitation restored many of the defining elements of the building, including exposed brick, natural light and original ceiling heights. The former atrium in the center of the building, long since tarred over, was re-glazed to create a bright and welcoming community space. Industrial pollution was reversed through brownfield remediation, and a once-decaying hulk now serves as a welcome reminder of the city's industrial heritage. The project team included DePaul, a not-for-profit developer of supportive housing; SWBR Architects; Community Preservation Corp., of Albany; Christa Construction, of Victor; historic preservation consultant Michael Puma; DJ Parrone Associates; and Betts Housing Partners LLC, of Albany. The project used Low-Income Housing Tax Credits and state and federal historic tax credits, and received support from the New York State Housing Trust Fund, Finger Lakes Economic Development Council and the city of Rochester. The awards were presented at the Preservation League's Annual Meeting and Awards Ceremony in New York City on Wednesday, May 13, at the historic New York Yacht Club.