Former Corning church on track for transformation into apartments, daycare. What to know

Jeff Smith, Corning Leader
Updated ·2 min read

Work to redevelop the long-vacant former St. Vincent de Paul Church campus, on Corning’s Northside, will likely begin later this year or in early 2025, according to Jennifer Miller, city director of planning and economic development.

The 45-unit apartment complex proposed for the site, named Parish Heights, would feature 37 senior apartments, eight workforce housing apartments and a daycare center, according to Christopher Trevisani, Vice President of Housing Visions.

Miller said Housing Visions, a non-profit that owns and manages about 1,600 apartment units in New York and Pennsylvania, has not yet received all the state funding needed for the $24 million project.

“We’re hopeful that by mid-March or April the New York State Homes and Community Renewal will make the announcement,” Miller said. “If that funding is received, then work will begin late this year or early 2025.”

The old St. Vincent de Paul Church and the nearby elementary school building are part of the plan to revitalize the campus with 45 apartment units and a daycare.
The old St. Vincent de Paul Church and the nearby elementary school building are part of the plan to revitalize the campus with 45 apartment units and a daycare.

Corning City Manager Mark Ryckman said the city assisted Housing Visions in receiving a $2 million Restore NY Fund grant in 2022.

“The developer still has pending applications for further state funding which should be announced in the coming months,” Ryckman said. “Once the project is fully funded, the city staff will be working with them on the building permit process.”

The City Council voted down a prior plan that called for 49 units, primarily funded through the state’s low-income housing tax credit.

The new plan, featuring 37 senior apartments, eight workforce housing apartments and a daycare center, mitigated many vocal opponents' concerns.

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Trevisani said Parish Heights will be targeted toward seniors who want to stay in their community, but stressed that the low-income housing component has not been eliminated.

A new two-story building will be constructed on the current parking lot across from the church, and the former elementary school will be converted into apartments, Miller said.

The childcare center is planned to serve 50 children in the former church building.

This article originally appeared on The Leader: Apartments, daycare planned at old St. Vincent de Paul Church campus