Monroe County Executive Adam Bello and Rochester Mayor Malik Evans announced a transformative $13 million investment on November 10, 2025, to expand affordable homeownership opportunities in Rochester's Upper Falls neighborhood. The groundbreaking marks the launch of a development that will create 22 single-family homes in a historically redlined and predominantly minority community that has faced decades of disinvestment.
The First Genesis Single Family Homes project is a collaboration among First Genesis Development Corporation, Rochester Management Inc., Atlas Construction, and Passero Associates. The $13 million investment comes from multiple sources:
When complete, the development will include a diverse mix of housing options designed to serve different household sizes:
Three homes will be fully ADA-compliant, featuring roll-in showers, grab bars, and accessible kitchen features, ensuring the project meets the needs of residents with mobility challenges.
This project represents a significant opportunity for the Rochester construction industry. The $13 million investment demonstrates strong market demand for affordable housing development, signaling that Rochester is prioritizing residential development in underserved neighborhoods. For contractors and developers in the region, the Upper Falls project validates the market opportunity in mixed-income residential development and shows that public-private partnerships can support project feasibility in challenging neighborhoods.
The use of $20,000 energy efficiency subsidies for qualifying homes reflects a broader trend toward green building standards in affordable housing, requiring contractors to adopt sustainable construction practices.
The First Genesis project is designed specifically for households earning between 50-60% of the Area Median Income (AMI). To qualify, buyers must complete a HUD-certified first-time homebuyer education program before purchase. The inclusion of the $20,000 subsidy for homes meeting energy efficiency performance standards provides additional support for environmental and economic sustainability.
This groundbreaking addresses decades of redlining and disinvestment in the Upper Falls neighborhood. County Executive Bello emphasized that "safe, affordable housing and equitable access to homeownership are the foundation of a stronger, healthier, and more vibrant community." Mayor Evans added that "homeownership strengthens families, stabilizes neighborhoods and builds generational wealth."
Construction has begun and homes are expected to be complete by 2027. The project represents a model of collaboration between government, faith institutions, and private development partners working toward community revitalization.
This $13 million project arrives as Rochester's construction market navigates financing challenges and cost pressures. The backing of multiple funding sources—county, city, state, and federal dollars—demonstrates how strategic use of American Rescue Plan Act funds can unlock affordable housing development even in a tight financing environment. This project may inspire similar public-private partnerships across Rochester and the broader region, particularly for developments targeting historically underinvested neighborhoods.
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