Today, the Albany County Land Bank Corporation (ACLB), Social Enterprise and Training Center (SEAT), and YouthBuild Albany, with support from MLB Construction, celebrated a milestone by raising the walls for their inaugural project at 360 Sheridan Avenue in Albany. This event marks a pivotal advancement in affordable housing construction, spearheaded by a groundbreaking partnership.
“The dream of homeownership should be in reach for anyone who desires it,” said Charles Touhey, Chair of the ACLB Board of Directors. “This innovative partnership is advancing a vision into a solution that weaves together so many key elements that puts this dream into reach – from community development to workforce development; from land availability to housing affordability.”
“Last year, we were here with our partners to break ground on this community development effort that brings a new home to this historic neighborhood in a new way,” said Sean Maguire, ACLB Executive Director. “Today, we raised the walls on this new home that is unlike any other in Albany – built through this innovative partnership where the partners have committed property, affordable financing, workforce development, and industry mentorship and support.”
This new, affordable home prototype is being constructed on a small lot owned by the Albany County Land Bank. At 25 feet wide and 90 feet deep, it is smaller than typical buildable lots, however lots like this one are not uncommon in the historic neighborhoods of Albany County. Smaller lots are not uncommon for Albany County Land Bank which acquires them through tax-foreclosure to rehabilitate for new, productive uses. MLB Construction built the walls for this new home off-site, delivered them, and placed them on the new foundation. The SEAT Center’s YouthBuild Albany program is assembling the home and providing on-the-job workforce development training. Home HeadQuarters, Inc. has made a commitment to finance the future buyer.
“Through our initiative, young people are not only rebuilding their community but also building their futures,” said Jennifer Lawrence, SEAT Center Founder and CEO. “This project is an essential part of their training experience, providing them with valuable skills while creating an affordable home for a family."
“To be able to work with SEAT’s Youth Build team is a dream come true for myself and MLB,” said Jim Dawsey, MLB President. “To give these hard-working young people the opportunity to learn our trade in a hands-on situation is what I have always worked for in my 50 years in the construction field. Our relationship with SEAT and Jennifer Lawrence, and our new relationship with Charles Touhey and the Land Bank, will keep the neighborhood of Albany's’ South end growing and vibrant.”
“We’re excited for the opportunity to be able to provide guidance and experience to SEAT’s Youth Build team,” said Damien Pinto-Martin, VP of MLB Development. “The construction industry at large is in dire need of additional manpower and this program is crucial to creating safe, capable, and motivated future craftsmen and women. In addition, this project and others like it, provide a path to affordable homeownership not otherwise available through conventional construction. This program is truly a win-win and is one to be supported and cherished.”
The new prototype home will be a two-story single-family home that consists of three bedrooms and one full bathroom. At approximately 1,190 square feet, the 14-foot wide and 48-foot-deep home is designed to fit on smaller, narrower vacant lots while still providing adequate living space, functionality, and constructability. Upon completion, the home will be sold to a first-time homebuyer at an affordable price.