Press Statement

Freedom Commons Receives LEED Homes Outstanding Affordable Project Award

Syracuse, NY – The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) has announced that the Freedom Commons housing development – developed and operated by the Center for Community Alternatives (CCA) and the Syracuse Housing Authority (SHA) – is a LEED Homes Awards recipient in the Outstanding Affordable Project category. The awards recognize LEED-certified residential projects that are positively impacting communities through sustainable, healthy and resilient design. Based on the Fortune Society’s Castle and Castle Gardens project, Freedom Commons is a multi-phase housing model offering affordable housing, permanent supportive housing, and transitional housing for people returning home from jail or prison.

Co-developed by Norstar Development USA and designed by SWBR Architects, Freedom Commons includes 54 units of affordable and supportive housing as well as a transitional residence which houses approximately 11 recently incarcerated individuals returning to the Syracuse community. The property offers units with one, two, or three bedrooms and has units that are fully accessible and adapted for individuals with mobility, hearing, or vision impairments. Located in the South Side of Syracuse, Freedom Commons offers access to transportation and services for all residents.

The building, constructed by Norstar Building Corporation and VIP Structures, Inc., includes a high performing mechanical system with high-efficient gas furnaces and central hot water systems; a super insulated building envelope including a combined R-23 combined wall insulation with R-5 continuous rigid insulation and 2×6 walls with batt insulation; LED lighting and Energy Star qualified appliances throughout the building; low flow water fixtures with WaterSense labels; and a healthy indoor air environment with dedicated energy recovery ventilation, and individual mechanical system control for occupants.

Funding for the construction of Freedom Commons was provided by New York State Homes & Community Renewal, the New York State Housing Trust Fund Corp., the New York State Office of Temporary & Disability Assistance Homeless Housing & Assistance Corp., Key Community Development Corporation, KeyBank N.A., the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York, Central New York Community Foundation, Inc., the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative, and the Onondaga County Department of Social Services.

“CCA is privileged to have partnered with the Syracuse Housing Authority, Norstar Development, SWBR Architects, and VIP Structures to develop this award-winning building design,” said David Condliffe, CCA Executive Director. “Everyone deserves a beautiful place to call home, and we are proud that Freedom Commons can be that place for residents returning to the Syracuse community.”

“SHA is extremely proud of winning the LEED award as it represents the kind of high quality infrastructure and investment that is needed in this economically disadvantaged community,” said William Simmons, SHA Executive Director.

“Freedom Commons not only provides modern, affordable housing with critical on-site support services but is an anchor for future redevelopment efforts in the community. As a LEED Gold certified building, it is a modern and a highly visible addition to the area and will positively impact many residents of the City of Syracuse community,” said Linda Goodman, Senior Vice President of Norstar Development USA, L.P. “Norstar was honored to partner with the Center for Community Alternatives, Syracuse Housing Authority, and Fortune, as well as all the state funding partners that made this project possible.”

LEED is the most widely used green building rating system in the world with more than 500,000 residential units certified. The number of LEED-certified green homes continues to grow globally with certifications increasing 19% from 2017 to 2019. A LEED-certified home helps lower utility payments by reducing energy and water consumption and provides a healthier indoor environment by improving air quality and using materials that lower people’s exposure to toxins and pollutants. LEED also provides a roadmap for creating high-quality, affordable housing that improves quality of life. Achieving LEED certification is an indication that a home meets the highest sustainability standards.