Norstar Development USA had a busy 2017, starting construction on four developments with nearly 300 affordable housing units.

Linda L. Goodman, senior vice president, Norstar Development USA
Erica Eichelkraut Linda L. Goodman, senior vice president, Norstar Development USA

The firm is in the midst of building Freedom Commons, which will feature 54 permanent affordable and supportive homes in addition a small shelter for individuals who are experiencing homelessness in Syracuse, N.Y. In partnership with the Syracuse Housing Authority and Center for Community Alternatives, Norstar closed on the financing and started construction on the community last year.

Freedom Commons is unique because in addition to addressing Syracuse’s overall need for affordable housing the team will work to provide housing to individuals who have been incarcerated or may have some history with the criminal justice system, a population that often has difficulty securing housing.

“There was a great wealth of information and experience that came together with the nonprofit, our public housing partner, and Norstar to make this happen,” says Linda Goodman, senior vice president at Norstar. “We’re excited to help people move into that project later this year.”

Norstar’s steady development progress continues in 2018, with the firm projecting to start construction on five communities with more than 400 affordable homes. The company’s goals include closing on the financing and starting construction on the second phase of its redevelopment of the Waterfront/Shoreline Apartments, a former Mitchell-Lama complex in Buffalo, N.Y.

Phase two, the Niagara Square Apartments, will create 166 new affordable housing units to go with 48 units completed last year.

Demolishing the old housing and constructing a new development on the 10-acre downtown parcel is one of the most notable real estate projects underway in Buffalo. The site is located at one of the community’s gateways and a block from City Hall.

“We want to walk forward with the state and city officials to lead this housing redevelopment out of the past and into the future with the rest of the city of Buffalo,” Goodman says.