Located in the City of Utica, NY, Starting Line Apartments is named in honor of the annual Boilermaker Road Race, which draws more than 19,000 competitors to the historic East Utica neighborhood each year. The 62,000 SF, three-story project provides long-term or permanent affordable housing which also offers residents supportive services that help them live independent and successful lives.
The 60-unit project is centrally located in a residential area in close proximity to many local amenities that tenants may need such as grocery shopping, schools, places of worship, medical care, banks, libraries, government agencies and general shopping. On-site services are available for 30 tenants. Housing Specialists teach skills and assist tenants in linking to community services. There are 15 ADA and three Hearing and Visually Accessible (HVA) units in the building.
“Our goal is to help people to stay in their community, provide a positive link to the community and its services,” said DePaul President Mark Fuller.
The exterior cladding blends fiber cement siding and brick, with a landmark copper-color metal panel on the corner facing the race – complete with water hook-up for race use. Inside, administrative offices, lounges, a computer area, laundry, and fully equipped exercise area support 54 1-bedroom and 6 2-bedroom apartments – half fully accessible and half access-adaptable. A community room and green-roof terrace are oriented to the starting line.
“We’re proud to partner with DePaul to provide high-quality housing to the Utica community,” said SWBR Project Architect Steve Peet, AIA. “Starting Line Apartments is not only an affordable housing option, but it also provides residents with supportive services that help them live independent and successful lives.”
The project received funding through the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative (ESSHI), Affordable Housing Tax Credits, NYS Office of Mental Health, NYS Office of Homes & Community Renewal, Housing Trust Fund, Homeless Housing Assistance Program, and NYSERDA.
SWBR provided architectural, structural engineering, landscape architecture, and interior design services for the project.