As the cost of living spikes in tandem with homelessness rates across the country, various cities have begun exploring the idea of converting vacant spaces — like former shopping malls, defunct department stores, and abandoned churches — into affordable housing units.
In July 2024, New York Governor Kathy Hochul embraced that trend by investing over $108 million into the “Liberty Landing” project: an ambitious remodeling effort that will convert a former women’s correctional facility into an affordable housing site for low-income residents and formerly incarcerated individuals.
“Every New Yorker deserves access to safe, stable, and affordable housing,” Governor Hochul said in a press statement…