DeWitt Clinton Apartments

Originally built in 1924, the former DeWitt Clinton Elementary School had long sat vacant in the City of Rome, NY. In 2017, DePaul purchased the building and land to redevelop the site into an affordable housing community where residents also have access to support services to help them live successfully in the community.

Dewitt Clinton Apartments is situated near Pools Brook, part of the “Old Erie Canal” system, which was also called “Clinton’s Ditch” by those who opposed the canal. This waterway, along with the famous copper Revere Ware, was the inspiration for colors, textures, and patterns throughout the building. The water and lakeside cabins inspired the distressed wood-look porcelain tile, warm plaid upholstery, and cozy oriental looking “rugs” which are durable carpet tile. The colors in the carpet and artwork are inspired by the metal work done in the copper factory, seen in patina copper light fixtures in the lobby. The professional photos featured in artwork were taken locally and showcase the Revere Ware factory, local art, fall leaves, the Erie Canal Village, and Fort Stanwix.

The new 80-unit, two-building facility focuses on helping those in the mid-market housing range, who may need an affordable place to live but don’t necessarily qualify for public assistance. The 64,000 SF development is in a residential area, close to local amenities such as grocery shopping, schools, places of worship, medical care, banks, libraries, government agencies and general shopping. On-site services are available for 40 tenants. Housing Specialists teach skills and assist tenants in linking to community services. There are twenty ADA and three Hearing and Visually Accessible (HVA) units in the building.