Stratford Arms Veteran Housing

OUR ROLE: Owner Representation

SCHEDULE: Completed in stages 2018, 2019, and 2020

SIZE: 30,805 sq ft

STREET ADDRESS: 25 W Utica St., Buffalo, NY

PROJECT CONTACT REFERENCE: Gigi E. Grizanti

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Western New York Veterans Housing Coalition Stratford Arms Hotel property began meeting with us around 2015 to design a funding program sufficient to support improvements to the 41 residential units dedicated to low income military veterans. These tenants are frequently disabled and/or subsidized by a HUD Shelter Care Grant or HUD Project Based Section 8 funding assistance.

We were engaged to provide Owner’s Representation services including competitive bidding of all necessary trades including architecture, engineering, and construction management. Additionally, our team worked closely with the WNYVHC to design a comprehensive sources and uses schedule with numerous funders ranging from NYS DHCR’s low income housing tax credit program, NYS OTDA’s Homeless Housing Assistance Program, and NYSERDA energy efficiency enhancement grants.

RESULTS

The Project underwent several rounds of funding applications and was granted 100% of its requested funding in 2018, with construction work commencing in early 2019. Upgrades to the facility included comprehensive interior renovations of all 41 units, from new bathrooms, kitchens, appliances, carpet, paint, mechanical systems, etc. Likewise, the building received a new roof, masonry repairs, a new boiler system, upgraded elevator systems, social service and management offices on site, enhanced furniture, fixtures, and equipment for the building’s common lobby and outdoor patio. Tenants experiencing minimized relocations to mitigate stress.

We are proud to have played a role assisting local homeless veterans, completing a project under budget, enhancing the quality of life, with minimal disruption to the organization’s clientele.