Troy, N.Y. — Committed to enhancing its campus gateways by fostering homeownership and rehabilitation, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and Rehab America are transforming textbook examples of American architecture into affordable homes.

Rehab America, a Clifton Park developer contracted by Rensselaer, has nearly finished rehabilitating an Italianate rowhouse at 315 Eighth St. Across the street at 320, Rehab America is carefully restoring the façade of a Greek Revival home that came perilously close to destruction. Both were derelict, foreclosed properties bought by Rensselaer, then resold to Rehab America for construction and resale to homeowners.

At 1 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 2, reporters will have the chance to tour the homes, meet one of the new homeowners, and walk along a street that is reflecting significant change. The event will start at 315 Eighth St., near the intersection of Eighth and Hoosick streets.

Once an illustrious streetscape of mansions and elegant townhouses, Eighth Street’s fortunes fell as Troy’s did in the 1970s. Still, Eighth Street retains the residential character and neighborhood commitment to make it an attractive boulevard.

“Rensselaer is committed to redevelopment of the community fabric contiguous to campus by joining in carefully selected neighborhood renewal projects with private developers, public agencies, and community organizations,” said Barbara Nelson of Campus Planning at Rensselaer.

Rehab America has rehabilitated more than 80 distressed properties, then resold them to qualified buyers. “RPI has committed substantial resources to meet a variety of neighborhood improvement goals, said Richard Norelli, the Rehab America’s co-founder and president.


”Rehab America brings proven experience, expertise and resources to the specific task of renovating one- and two-family residences, thereby creating quality homes,’’ Norelli said.

Rensselaer recently partnered with Community Gardens and the Hillside Neighborhood Association to craft a plan that includes landscaping Riley Park, providing pedestrian walkways and lighting, and installing curbing to slow cars exiting busy Hoosick Street. The Institute’s chapter of Habitat for Humanity is rehabilitating a third house, at 196 Eighth St., bought by Rensselaer.

The Eighth Street rehabilitation projects are part of Rensselaer’s multimillion-dollar Neighborhood Renewal Initiative, which embodies President Shirley Ann Jackson’s commitment to “Communiversity.” The initiative will revitalize the campus neighborhoods to benefit area homeowners, the city, and the university.

In two years, the initiative has distributed 15 homeownership grants, won a $400,000 federal grant to support its community based research, and economic and neighborhood revitalization projects, and enlisted students and residents to study neighborhood revitalization.

Contact: Bruce Adams
Phone: (518) 276-6531
E-mail: N/A