RUPCO’s Stuyvesant Wins Statewide Award

Nov. 3, 2012 - PRLog -- Rural Ulster Preservation Company’s (RUPCO’s) Stuyvesant (http://www.rupco.org/pm_stuyvesanthotel.html)  has been named Residence of the Year by the Supportive Housing Network of New York (SHNNY) (http://shnny.org/events/2012-network-gala/residences-of-the-year/) . Each year SHNNY chooses two supportive housing residences to receive this honor. Kathy Germain, Theresa Walsh and Teryl Mickens of RUPCO (http://www.rupco.org/) accepted the award at the SHNNY annual gala on October 17, 2012 in New York City.

In honoring RUPCO’s work, the SHNNY lauded both the quality of the building and the commitment to services for the residents who live there.  The Stuyvesant houses 40 single adults who are either senior citizens, disabled, or both.  RUPCO provides both affordable housing and a full–time program services manager to assist the residents with everything they need to live independently.          

“Our commitment to the tenants continues despite funding cuts,” said Kathleen Leahy, RUPCO’s Chief Operating Officer.  She added that while some budgeting for services will be restored by elected officials, RUPCO had to pull funding from its general operating budget to keep the services going last year.

The Stuyvesant Still a RUPCO Standard

The Stuyvesant’s historically accurate and community focused restoration won several architectural and housing awards since its completion nearly 20 years ago.  But it has been the impact on the quality of life of its residents and the community that earned the most recent honor. Today, in addition to housing seniors and disabled persons, the Stuyvesant houses the primary offices of RUPCO and Rene’s Bistro Restaurant.

         The 40 residents who live at the Stuyvesant today have faced various challenges to self-sufficiency and independence. All of the residents receive supportive services which help them maintain their independence and residential stability.  The Stuyvesant location offers many urban conveniences such as public transportation, shopping, and culturally enriching activities.

         The Stuyvesant has fostered a movement of revitalization that continues to spread throughout the community and its success led to the restoration of the Kirkland, another important city landmark.   It remains a model site for supportive permanent housing and a symbol of pride for RUPCO.  After 20 years, the project still represents success as the residents continue to flourish and the community continues to thrive.

Historic Restoration Blended with Affordable Housing  

Built in 1910, the Stuyvesant is located in the Historic Stockade District of Kingston.   As a truly striking architectural model, the Stuyvesant straddles the corners of Fair and John streets.  Sitting empty for about a decade, the building was an imposing blight on the Kingston cityscape. Acquired by RUPCO (http://www.rupco.org/pm_stuyvesanthotel.html) in 1991 the restoration began a revitalization movement that continues to spread throughout the community.  

The Stuyvesant project began with painstaking restoration to return the building to its original grandeur. Great attention was paid to the external face; matching awnings, balconies, and window structure based upon archive research and careful examination of period photography.  Inside, emphasis was placed on incorporating natural light and breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes for residential enjoyment.  Twelve living units were designated for homeless individuals while retail and office space were reserved to provide continuous income for the project.

Lace Factory Next Up

RUPCO has completed numerous other projects in the two decades since developing the Stuyvesant.  Restoration of the Kirkland and the historic Pettit house, both on Clinton Avenue, added another 11 housing units while preserving Kingston’s history.  New construction of town homes in Ellenville and apartments in Woodstock demonstrated additional agency capacity.  Plans have recently been announced for RUPCO’s biggest rehabilitation project ever:  conversion of an abandoned, century-old curtain factory into live and work housing for artists.

“I like a challenge,” said RUPCO’s CEO, Kevin O’Connor.  The Lace Factory will be both a housing and an economic development effort.  It will test our ability to build the best of sustainable, green housing while retaining important historic buildings and artifacts for the community.  “I’m really pleased the multi-talented staff we have to make all of these things happen.”

More information on the Stuyvesant and on all of RUPCO’s work is available at www.rupco.org or by calling 845-331-2140.