Habitat Starts Construction on First Phase of Marine Drive Apartments Redevelopment in Buffalo

Work advances on the development's 254-unit, $250 million first phase as steel rises above ground level

On July 20, The Habitat Company joined development partners Duvernay + Brooks and Bridges Development, an affiliate of the Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority (BMHA), along with New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, residents and community stakeholders to celebrate a major milestone in the redevelopment of Marine Drive Apartments in Buffalo, New York. Construction is now actively underway on the project's first phase, marking significant progress in what will become one of the largest affordable housing redevelopments in Buffalo's history.

The $250 million first phase will deliver 254 affordable apartments across four newly constructed residential buildings and is expected to be completed in 2028. The milestone follows Habitat and its partners' acquisition of the property in late 2025 and months of early construction activity that included extensive site and infrastructure work below ground. With steel now rising above ground level, residents and community leaders can begin to see the future of Marine Drive taking shape.

Reimagining a Legacy Affordable Housing Community

Originally built in the 1950s, Marine Drive Apartments has served Buffalo residents for more than 70 years. While the community has long been a cornerstone of affordable housing on the city's waterfront, aging infrastructure and outdated building systems created the need for a transformational redevelopment effort. The comprehensive three-phase plan will replace the existing 616 apartments with approximately 730 new homes while preserving long-term affordability and enhancing quality of life for residents.

A key component of the redevelopment is Habitat's "build first" approach, which allows current residents to remain in their homes throughout construction. Residents will be able to move directly into newly completed apartments as future phases are delivered, ensuring no displacement during the redevelopment process.

Creating Modern, Sustainable and Accessible Housing

Phase I will feature a mix of studio, one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom apartments affordable to households earning up to 120% of the Area Median Income (AMI). In addition to four residential buildings, the first phase includes townhomes, a three-level parking structure, approximately 5,000 square feet of retail and commercial space, and extensive site improvements that will establish the foundation for future phases of development.

Designed with sustainability and accessibility in mind, the new buildings will be fully electric and incorporate energy-efficient technologies, including ENERGY STAR appliances, LED lighting, water-conserving fixtures and Energy Recovery Ventilation systems that improve indoor air quality. The development will also include 27 apartments designed for residents with mobility disabilities and seven apartments designed for residents with sensory disabilities.

A Transformational Investment in Buffalo's Future

When complete, the full redevelopment is expected to represent more than $600 million in total investment and create one of the most significant affordable housing communities in Buffalo. Beyond new housing, the project will deliver major infrastructure improvements, including upgraded utility systems, enhanced streetscapes, new parking facilities and publicly accessible open spaces that will strengthen connections between the community and Buffalo's revitalized waterfront.

"The start of construction at Marine Drive is the culmination of years of collaboration, planning and commitment to ensure Buffalo residents have access to high-quality, affordable housing," said Matt Fiascone, president of Habitat. "Since closing on the property in late 2025, our team and partners have worked diligently to advance construction, which is why seeing the first structures rise above ground level is a momentous sign of the progress being made."

Jeff Head, vice president of development for Habitat Affordable Group, emphasized the broader impact of the project on Buffalo's future. "Through strong public-private partnerships, visionary leadership on the local and state level and ongoing engagement with residents, our team is creating a community that will provide safe, modern and accessible housing while preserving the affordability and sense of inclusiveness and community that have defined Canalside for decades.

Advancing Affordable Housing Through Partnerships

Marine Drive Phase I is supported by a coalition of public and private partners committed to expanding affordable housing opportunities in New York. The project is backed by New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR), Enterprise Community Partners, M&T Bank, HUD, the City of Buffalo, BMHA and numerous community stakeholders. Together, these organizations are helping transform Marine Drive into a modern waterfront neighborhood that will serve Buffalo residents for generations to come.

As construction continues, Marine Drive stands as a powerful example of how collaboration, resident engagement and long-term investment can preserve affordable housing while creating new opportunities for communities to thrive.