Utica, NY – This afternoon, Thursday, November 13th, Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon joined leaders and representatives from Liberty Affordable Housing Inc, the Preservation League of New York State and the community in celebrating the Olbiston Apartments’ Statewide Excellence in Historic Preservation Award, a remarkable and prestigious achievement awarded by the Preservation League of New York State.

“This is proud moment for the City,” said Buttenschon, “Liberty Affordable Housing’s decision to manage this historical site and provide a housing opportunity for many to expand the future of Utica and the Mohawk Valley.”

Originally constructed in 1898 by developers Northrup and Latcher to the designs of architect Richard A. George, the impressive five-story brick and sandstone Olbiston Apartments originally represented the city of Utica’s growth and modern aspirations. Considered the pinnacle of modern living in its time, the elegant and upscale 90-unit original residence catered to the city’s growing middle and upper classes, setting new standards for safety and sophistication in urban living with its fireproof masonry construction, marble-clad corridors, ornate ironwork and novel fire escapes. Yet, over decades of deferred maintenance and deterioration compounded by the area’s growing suburbanization, the 126-year-old Romanesque Revival gem, nearly abandoned, had appeared destined for loss. However, seeing the grand potential of the Olbiston to fill the pressing need for affordable housing in Utica, Liberty Affordable Housing of Rome acquired the Olbiston, and launched an ambitious rehabilitation effort.

“We are honored to receive the Statewide Excellence in Historic Preservation Award from the Preservation League of NYS. Restoring the Olbiston Apartments was not just about preserving a historic structure, it was about revitalizing a community asset and creating safe, affordable homes for generations to come. This recognition affirms the power of public-private partnerships and the importance of investing in our neighborhoods to create ‘Better Lives Through Better Housing’. This milestone continues our commitment to growth and greater impact, opening new pathways for strategic partnerships that uplift communities and lay the foundation for generations”- Randell Denton, Executive Director, Liberty Affordable Housing Inc.

Today, through a combination of public and private investment, including Federal and State Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credits, Liberty Affordable Housing’s multi-million dollar restoration and rehabilitation project has transformed the space into nearly 160 modern, affordable, and energy-efficient apartments. Outfitted with new and updated amenities, common spaces, tenant storage, and parking, the project not only restored the Olbiston’s iconic grandeur through the meticulous preservation of its historic marble and masonry features, it ensured the building’s heritage lives on, providing safety and affordability to generations to come.

“Reinvigorating old buildings and stewarding places of cultural importance is a way to build a stronger society and support the people who call these places home,” said Preservation League President Jay DiLorenzo. “The incredible transformation of the Olbiston has quite literally made homes for people who need them, but the importance of this project extends beyond the building as well. Bringing the Olbiston back to life is a major boom for Utica and it serves as an example of the power of bringing preservation and affordable housing together. The League is honored to recognize the rehabilitation of the Olbiston with a statewide Excellence in Historic Preservation Award.”