Construction is underway at Wartburg’s campus in Mount Vernon on the Waltemade Residence, a $74 million project to create 102 affordable apartments for seniors and 30 supportive units for older adults who have been experiencing homelessness. Wartburg offers independent living, assisted living, rehabilitation and adult day care on its 34-acre site.
The project involves transforming the skilled nursing facility named for Henry G. and Jeannette Waltemade into modern apartments.
The all-electric Waltemade Residence is being developed in partnership with Rockabill Development LLC, and is supported by New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR), Westchester County, and the City of Mount Vernon. HCR is providing $24.2 million in equity raised through its Federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Program; $5.4 million in equity raised through its State Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Program; $2.3 million from the Supportive Housing Opportunity Program, and $12.5 million from the Senior Housing Program. Westchester County’s Housing Flex Fund is providing just over $8.1 million. Funding of $600,000 is coming from Mount Vernon’s HOME fund that is administered by the city’s Urban Renewal Agency.
The Waltemade Residence will serve residents aged 62 and older with household incomes up to 80% of the Area Median Income. Thirty of the units will provide supportive services for seniors with chronic conditions or physical disabilities who have experienced homelessness, made possible through the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative under the New York State Department of Health.
“We are grateful that our public and private sector partners share our vision to reposition senior care and housing while strengthening existing infrastructure,” said Dr. David J. Gentner, Wartburg’s president and CEO. “As we begin renovations, we celebrate an exciting milestone in our commitment to serve future generations of seniors with the housing, community, and support they need.”
Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins emphasized the project’s commitment to sustainability as well as providing social impact.
“Westchester County is proud to support the Waltemade Residence project, which brings critically needed affordable and supportive housing to our senior community,” Jenkins said. “By repurposing existing structures and embracing sustainable design, we’re setting a standard for meeting housing needs while addressing environmental goals.”
According to New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald, “It is essential that aging New Yorkers have the ability to transition comfortably into later stages of life. The numerous independent living options at the Waltemade Residence will help ensure those needs are met.”
