Wartburg Begins Construction of New Affordable and Supportive Homes for Seniors In Mount Vernon

Construction is underway on the Waltemade Residence, a $74 million redevelopment project by BCW Member Wartburg that will create 102 affordable apartments for seniors and 30 supportive units for older adults experiencing homelessness. 

Located on Wartburg’s historic 34-acre campus, the project transforms a legacy skilled nursing facility into an energy-efficient, all-electric residential building-advancing Wartburg’s mission to help older adults live independently with dignity, stability, and purpose.

The Waltemade Residence will serve residents aged 62 and older with household incomes up to 80% of the Area Median Income. Thirty of the units will provide supportive services for seniors with chronic conditions or physical disabilities who have experienced homelessness, made possible through the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative (ESSHI) under the New York State Department of Health.

Residents will enjoy modern, accessible apartments with broadband internet, a fitness center, art studio, and laundry facilities. They will also benefit from access to Wartburg’s scenic walking paths, gardens, community programs, and shuttle service to local grocery stores, banks, and medical facilities.

“We are grateful that our public and private sector partners share our vision to reposition senior care and housing while strengthening existing infrastructure,” said Dr. David J. Gentner, Wartburg President and CEO. “As we begin renovations, we celebrate an exciting milestone in our commitment to serve future generations of seniors with the housing, community, and support they need.”

The project is being developed in partnership with Rockabill Development, LLC, and supported by New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR), Westchester County, and the City of Mount Vernon. HCR is supporting the construction of Waltemade Residence with $24.2 million in equity raised through its Federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Program; $5.4 million in equity raised through its State Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Program; $2.3 million from the Supportive Housing Opportunity Program, and $12.5 million from the Senior Housing Program. Westchester County’s Housing Flex Fund is also providing just over $8.1 million, as well as $600,000 from Mount Vernon’s HOME fund that is administered by the city’s Urban Renewal Agency.