The Lyceum offers apartments, community empowerment spaces, and a Prevocational Hub, all poised to enrich the fabric of Buffalo’s East Side.
Buffalo, NY – Community Services for Every1 proudly unveiled the Lyceum, their groundbreaking, multifaceted space that provides housing and supportive services in the heart of Buffalo’s Broadway-Fillmore district. This transformative project, spearheaded by the nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities and beyond, was a historic preservation and adaptive reuse of the former St. John Kanty Lyceum School. The Lyceum is also New York State’s first completed Clean Energy Initiative project.
Community Services for Every1 will offer supportive services at the Lyceum in the 7,600-square-foot newly renovated community and commercial space. Services include case management, financial counseling, after-school programs, culinary arts, healthy living education, and referrals to health, childcare, and public benefit services. The Lyceum will also serve as Community Services’ third Pre-Vocational Hub, assisting individuals in finding and maintaining jobs in their community that align with their interests, skills, and career goals. Furthermore, the Lyceum boasts amenities designed for accessibility and recreation, including a community garden, bike repair station, EV charging facilities, an accessible playground, and an activity room tailored to accommodate all.
The Apartments at the Lyceum feature 42 affordable apartments, with 12 units reserved for survivors of domestic violence, 5 fully ADA accessible units, and 2 units for individuals with audio/visual impairments. Residents have access to rental subsidies and services funded through the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative.
“We are incredibly appreciative of the funding designated for affordable and supportive housing, which has allowed us to create Erie County’s first permanent supportive housing program specifically for survivors of domestic violence at the Apartments at the Lyceum,” said Mindy Cervoni, President and CEO of Community Services. “This initiative allows us to assist individuals with factors contributing to their housing instability. Developing affordable housing in communities of need remains a priority for Community Services, and we are grateful to our partner for helping us bring this project to fruition.”
“We are thrilled to unveil the Lyceum, our latest expansion that enhances our capability for delivering comprehensive and transformative programs that enrich the lives of our community members and fosters empowerment, inclusion, and enduring change. Its inception in 2022 was prompted by the recognition of a significant gap in services, programs, and support within the Broadway-Fillmore area of Buffalo. Our heartfelt appreciation goes out to our partners whose unwavering support has made the Lyceum a reality.” said Kelly Kinderman, Vice President of Program Support and Development at Community Services for Every1.
“Today, we celebrate not just the transformation of a historic building, but the revitalization of an entire community,” said Council Member Nowakowski. “The Apartments at the Lyceum exemplify our commitment to providing affordable housing and essential services to community members most in need. This project highlights the importance of adaptive reuse and breathing new life into historic structures. It is a testament to the power of collaboration and community spirit, ensuring that everyone, regardless of circumstances, has a place to call home. I am proud to be here with Community Services for Every1 and all our partners in making this vision a reality.”
Financing for the Lyceum included $8 million in NYS HCR Low Income Housing Tax Credit program, a $3.9 million subsidy from NYS Homes and Community Renewal, $6.8 million in Federal and State Historic Tax Credits from NYS Department of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, $2 million from NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance’s Homeless Housing Assistance Program, and $525,000 through the Clean Energy Incitive through NYSERDA. Additionally, $750,000 in HOME funds were awarded by the city of Buffalo, and Empire State Development provided $500,000 through the Better Buffalo Fund.
The development team for the Lyceum project consisted of Community Services for Every1, Carmina Wood Design, Hamilton Stern Construction, and Edgemere Development. The development of the commercial space was supported by Empire State Development- Better Buffalo Fund, First Niagara Foundation in Partnership with KeyBank, James H. Cummings Foundation, M&T Charitable Foundation, Golisano Foundation, The John R.
Oishei Foundation, East Hill Foundation, and The Children’s Guild Foundation. The Lyceum meets the requirements of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority’s New Construction Housing Program and 2020 Enterprise Green Communities. Energy-efficient elements include Energy Star or equivalent appliances, an EV charging station, low-flow fixtures, increased insulation, and updated lighting, HVAC systems, windows, and roofs.
“Hamilton Stern Construction is proud to have been the construction manager on this transformative, historical preservation project. The Apartments at The Lyceum preserves the rich heritage of the Broadway Fillmore community, and the modernization of the building breathes new life into the iconic structure. With 42 supportive housing units, a sustainable design, green space, and a community center, this development will truly be able to serve its residents, contribute to the cultural fabric of the neighborhood, and help expand the mission of Community Services for Every1,” Christopher Stern, Principal, Hamilton Stern Construction.
“Edgemere is thrilled to have been a part of this amazing project. Through the Apartments at the Lyceum, Community Services has preserved a vital cultural resource and created 42 high-quality, affordable, and energy-efficient apartments for households in Buffalo’s East Side” remarked Brad Mack, Edgemere Development’s Director of Development. “In addition, they’ve transformed the former kitchen, cafeteria, and gymnasium into a commercial space that will be utilized for prevocational and other services offered by the agency. Community Services is a vital resource for residents of the City of Buffalo and Erie County; the Lyceum will expand their service footprint, provide much-needed affordable housing, and support the City’s revitalization goals. We are thrilled to see the project completed and are thankful for the many public and private partners who made this project a reality.”
About Community Services for Every1
Community Services for Every1 is a nonprofit whose mission is to partner with individuals of all abilities to reach their fullest potential, protecting their rights and promoting their independence and inclusion in our community. The agency notably serves (1) people with developmental disabilities, (2) youth and adults with chronic health conditions and complex mental health concerns, and (3) survivors of domestic violence. Community Services provides a comprehensive range of services such as residential, domestic violence support, care coordination, family support, employment and skill-building, behavioral and mental health services, and much more. For the past 35 years, Community Services for Every1 has been providing high quality, person-centered services to the Western New York community. For more information, visit www.csevery1.com.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 12, 2024
Jillian Johnson
Development and Communications Coordinator
Community Services for Every1
716-574-1324| jijohnson@csevery1.com