A once-crumbling factory in Seneca Falls just won one of New York’s top preservation honors — after being saved from the wrecking ball and transformed into a home for dozens of families and veterans.
Huntington Apartments has received a 2025 Excellence in Historic Preservation Award from the Preservation League of New York State, the organization announced Monday.
A vision that saved a landmark
The building at 201 Fall Street was originally home to the National Yeast Company in the late 1800s. By the 2010s, it was deteriorating fast. A gas station proposal nearly sealed its fate — until local advocates stepped in.
The Seneca Falls Historical Society and the Landmark Society of Western New York worked to put it on the 2018 “Five to Revive” list, calling attention to the building’s value and potential. That push helped bring in developer Home Leasing, which proposed a bold plan: preserve the structure and turn it into affordable housing.
“We are deeply honored,” said Home Leasing CEO Megan Houppert. “This remarkable transformation was made possible through the dedication of so many who helped preserve this landmark and believed in our vision.”
More than just housing
The final result is more than just a renovation. Huntington Apartments now offers 53 affordable apartments — including 27 units for homeless veterans, supported through a partnership with Eagle Star Housing.
Veterans living at the complex have on-site access to services and support. Rent includes all utilities. There’s also a community room, fitness center, playground, bike storage, and 24/7 emergency management.
The building honors Seneca Falls’ designation as a Purple Heart Town, sitting just steps from the Purple Heart Trail and Veterans Memorial Bridge.
Tackling tough challenges with smart design
The original factory included six additions built between 1871 and 1950. Each had different materials, heights, and styles — creating major challenges for the restoration team.
HUNT Architecture helped lead a preservation-focused design. The team rebuilt a missing fourth floor with a mansard roof, added new space where a 1950s garage once stood, and built a new lobby and leasing office. Crews also restored the original brickwork and replaced windows with historically accurate versions.
The work met the strict standards for state and federal Historic Tax Credits, with support from the State Historic Preservation Office and the National Park Service. Preservation Studios guided the approval process.
A model for sustainable development
Huntington Apartments isn’t just historic — it’s green. The building meets high energy standards under NYSERDA’s Multifamily New Construction Program, EPA Energy Star, and Enterprise Green Communities.
Each unit has Energy Star appliances and central air. The building uses energy-efficient systems to reduce its carbon footprint — making it a rare example of climate-smart, affordable housing in a small town.
Big investment, big impact
The $12.1 million project was supported by state and federal tax credits, including $7.1 million in historic preservation funding. New York’s Homes and Community Renewal also provided subsidies and housing tax credits. Additional funds came from the Downtown Revitalization Initiative and NYSERDA.
“This is exactly the kind of investment we want to see,” said HCR Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas. “Safe, affordable housing that also preserves our state’s rich history.”
Statewide recognition
The project was one of several honored this year by the Preservation League. The awards celebrate the people and projects making an impact through preservation — from small towns to big cities.
“Reinvigorating old buildings is a way to build a stronger society,” said League President Jay DiLorenzo. “This project proves what’s possible when people come together with a shared vision.”
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