Ground was broken this week for the start of construction on Coventry Commons, a $59 million project creating 101 affordable apartments in the historic former Reed Manufacturing Company’s factory and office space in Wayne County’s village of Newark. The project is part of New York State Homes and Community Renewal, which has created or preserved nearly 400 affordable homes in Wayne County. Coventry Commons continues this effort and is included in Governor Kathy Hochul’s $25 billion five-year Housing Plan, which is on track to create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes statewide.
“The solution to the housing crisis confronting our communities is to create more housing,” Governor Hochul said. “Coventry Commons will do that and more for the village of Newark. This development will transform a vacant historic site into 101 affordable apartments and is an important component in the ongoing revitalization of the village’s downtown corridor. As we strive to develop more affordable housing opportunities across the state, we are grateful for our partnerships with certified Pro-Housing Communities like Newark, which understand the value of investing in the future of New York.
The historic complex, which is listed in the State and National Registers of Historic Places, has been vacant since 2005 and is being developed through a joint venture with Housing Visions and New CDM, LLC. Reed Manufacturing was nationally known for producing large-scale enamelware that was popular in both households and hospitals. The site consists of a three-story 1903 brick factory building that will contain 96 apartments and a two-story brick office building that will contain five apartments. All apartments at Coventry Commons will be set aside for households earning up to 80 percent of the Area Median Income.
The development of Coventry Commons is supported by Newark’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative Strategic Investment Plan, which aims to transform downtown neighborhoods into vibrant centers that offer a high quality of life and are magnets for redevelopment, business, job creation, and economic and housing diversity.
Construction of Coventry Commons will also include upgrades to an existing on-site playground. Residents will have access to a fitness room, bulk storage space, co-work rooms and free Wi-Fi throughout the complex.
Village of Newark Mayor Jonathan Taylor said, “We are thrilled to have the Coventry Commons Project breaking ground. Newark has a need for housing for young professionals and those who would like to age in place. Coventry Commons will be a big step towards filling the housing needs in our community. The Reed Manufacturing facility once was a bustling hub of commerce, and we are excited to see its revitalization and return to prominence in our village. We would like to thank the Governor and all the partners who are making Coventry Commons a reality.”
Senator Pamela Helming said, “The Coventry Commons project will allow the Village of Newark to grow new housing opportunities, build on their downtown economic development initiatives and preserve an important piece of local history. Downtowns are centers of economic and cultural activity and I look forward to seeing this project move forward.”
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