A local non-profit organization is adding to the development of downtown Rochester.

East House Corporation is partnering with local groups, Providence Housing Development and Buckingham Properties, to bring new housing to State Street.

The building at 437 State Street sat vacant for years.

In 1927, it was built as a garage for Kodak employees. Soon it will transform into 44 newly renovated apartments. That is when East House Corporation gets its way.

"We feel it's a growing area. We have apartment complexes right down the street. So, we're very excited to be a part of the future of this neighborhood," said Greg Soehner, president of East House Corporation.

All of the units will be 650-square foot, one-bedroom apartments. The rent will be $585 a month.

Thirty of them are earmarked for people living with mental illnesses. The remaining 14 will be income-based affordable housing units.

"We have a huge list of people waiting for affordable housing. So, there's a huge need for these units," said Soehner.

The project has an $8 million price tag, and $5.1 million of that was given by the New York State Housing Division in low income tax credits.

Soehner says mental housing is hard to come by in Rochester. Not only will this help provide more options, but it will keep State Street development moving forward.

"We think this will add to the momentum of development in the community and it will give our folks quality and affordable housing for decades to come," said Soehner.

East House and its partners plan to close on the project by the end of this year and begin construction in early 2011.

"Hopefully, a year from now, we will be here celebrating the opening of State Street Apartments," said Soehner.

East House Corporation