Back to News

CPP Partners With Rochester’s Cornerstone Group to Preserve Affordable Housing in Erie

19 Apr
2022

Community Preservation Partners (CPP), a mission-driven affordable housing preservation developer, today announced its acquisition of Methodist Towers in Erie, a 13-floor high-rise affordable housing complex comprising of 138 senior units (55+), 57 of which receive subsidy under a Section-8 HAP contract. The renovation will be a tenant in-place rehabilitation with minimal displacement for residents. CPP received an issuance of tax-exempt bonds and Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTCs) from the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) with construction and permanent loans from Citibank as well as equity raised from the sale of LIHTCs from PNC Bank, N.A. to finance the property acquisition and rehabilitation. The affordability commitments and investment made in Methodist Towers will preserve its affordable housing designation for future decades.

“CPP is excited to partner with Rochester’s Cornerstone Group on another exciting Preservation project. We are planning a meaningful rehab that will make current and future residents proud to call Methodist Towers home,” said Seth Gellis, senior vice president at CPP. “With this project, CPP will deepen and lengthen the affordability of the property including to those making no more than 20%, 50% and 60% of AMI.”

Methodist Towers is in the heart of downtown Erie, within view of the Lake Erie waterfront and surrounded by Gannon University, as well as several medical centers including The University of Pennsylvania Medical Center Hamot campus.

“While the property was built and lovingly maintained by the First Methodist Church of Erie, it suffered from severe deferred maintenance,” said John Fraser, director of development at CPP. “Major building systems require upgrading and replacement, including the roof, elevators and HVAC equipment. The property was built in 1973, has never been through a meaningful rehab, and as such, unit and common area finishes need upgrades and modernization.”

CPP will invest more than $20 million to acquire and rehabilitate the complex, with renovations to include accessibility upgrades, parking lot repair, decking and railing replacement of the community sundeck, flooring upgrades, an outdoor dog run, new maintenance shed and improvements to the community, dining, music, and billiards rooms. For the units, enhancements will feature new unit entry doors, kitchen cabinets, vanity cabinets, quartz countertops in kitchens and bathrooms, paint, toilets, energy-efficient appliances, window blinds, sinks, faucets, and other items. CPP’s service coordinator will provide adult education programs including smoking cessation, computer training, tax preparation guidance, English classes, educational workshops, fraud prevention classes, literacy programs, health and wellness, financial literacy, socials, exercise, art and COVID education.

About Community Preservation Partners

Since its founding in 2004, Community Preservation Partners (CPP), an affordable housing rehabilitation company, has invested more than $2.6 billion into neighborhoods across the United States, keeping housing costs affordable for thousands of seniors, families and individuals. Having developed more than 12,500 low-income housing units, and positively changing the lives of thousands of low-income residents, the award-winning firm continues to expand nationally with headquarters in Irvine, California and Reston, Virginia. With its creative mindset and unwavering vision, CPP Housing proposes big, bold and better solutions that build community and serve the greater good. Creativity. Performance. Purpose. A different way to home. For more information, visit www.cpp-housing.com and follow us on LinkedIn.

Latest news

June 11, 2025
CPP & Beacon Communities Announce Acquisition of Brewery Square Apartments in New Haven, Connecticut

Community Preservation Partners, a mission-driven affordable housing preservation developer, and Beacon Communities, one of the nation’s leading affordable housing development and management companies, have announced the acquisition and planned rehabilitation of Brewery Square Apartments in New Haven, Connecticut. This is the second community for CPP in the Fair Haven neighborhood, following the recent completion of nearby Fairbank Apartments.

Located at 1 Brewery Square along the Quinnipiac River, Brewery Square is a two-building, 104-unit apartment community originally constructed in 1896 as a brewery and later converted to housing in the early 1980s. With this acquisition, the team will extend affordability protections and implement significant renovations while preserving the historic character of the property.

“This acquisition allows us to increase and deepen affordability while also extending the life of a property that is deeply cherished by the community,” said John Fraser, Vice President of Development at CPP. “We are proud to protect the historic fabric of this neighborhood while delivering modern upgrades that respond directly to resident needs.”

The total development investment of approximately $43 million includes extensive renovations estimated at $112,342 per unit. Planned upgrades include all-new stainless-steel appliances, updated bathrooms, quartz countertops, new windows, refinished floors, and the installation of advanced security systems. The site will also feature enhanced landscaping, cobblestone walkways, and the adaptive reuse of the historic gatehouse into a secure indoor bike storage area — an amenity specifically requested by residents. Additionally, the renovations are expected to improve the property’s energy performance by more than 15%, enhancing efficiency and reducing utility costs.

"Brewery Square serves as a model for high-quality, architecturally interesting, mixed-income housing,” said Sarah Miller, Fair Haven Alder. “We look forward to CPP and Beacon building upon and extending this legacy, preserving both affordability and quality for another generation."

The renovation will transition 84 of the 104 units into the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program, with affordability levels ranging from 30% to 80% of Area Median Income (AMI), averaging just below 60%. The property’s existing HAP contract, currently set to expire in 2034, will be extended by an additional 20 years, ensuring long-term affordability.

Brewery Square is made up of two continuous buildings and features a unit mix of two efficiency units, 41 one-bedroom units, 55 two-bedroom units, and six three-bedroom units. The property offers ample parking with 151 total spaces split between a 107-space front lot and a 44-space rear lot. Occupancy has consistently exceeded 95%, and residents have played a key role in shaping planned improvements, particularly those that preserve the community’s historic charm and enhance daily living.

“The adaptive reuse of Brewery Square Apartments will modernize and expand affordable housing options In New Haven, while breathing new life into a piece of the City’s history,” said Dara Kovel, CEO, Beacon Communities. “We’re honored to bring our exceptional property management to a new community of New Haven residents. Thank you to our partners at Community Preservation Partners, who share our commitment to creating quality housing that will remain affordable for generations to come.”

Brewery Square marks the fifth property for Beacon Communities in New Haven. The company currently manages Ninth Square Apartments, Edith Johnson Towers and Monterey Place, and started construction last year on The Atwater at Ninth Square, which is expected to be completed in 2026.

The project leverages LIHTC 4% tax credits and tax-exempt bonds. Financing partners include NewPoint as the construction and permanent lender, KeyBank as the tax credit and EBL investor, Eversource as the state historic tax credit investor, and JPMorgan Chase as the federal historic tax credit investor. Heritage Consulting has been retained to ensure all work complies with National Park Service historic guidelines.

Read More
A call to action arrow.
May 14, 2025
CPP Announces Acquisition of St. Anthony Plaza Apartments in Albuquerque, New Mexico

CPP, a mission-driven affordable housing preservation developer, in partnership with Housing New Mexico, Bernalillo County, Near North Valley Neighborhood Association, and the City of Albuquerque, has announced the acquisition and planned renovation of St. Anthony Plaza Apartments, an affordable housing complex in Albuquerque, N.M.. This is the 39th community in New Mexico for CPP.

St. Anthony Plaza Apartments is located at 1750 Indian School Road NW in the Near North Valley region of Albuquerque. Originally built in 1975 and designed to accomodate multigenerational living, the property is in need of substantial rehabilitations. St. Anthony Plaza offers 46 one-bedroom, 76 two-bedroom, 24 three-bedroom and 14 four-bedroom units across 11, two-story buildings. CPP’s total development investment is approximately $70M, which includes the purchase price of $27.16M and estimated renovation costs of approximately $122,000 per unit.

“Currently, over half of the renters in Albuquerque are cost burdened, meaning they are spending more than 30% of their income on housing,” said Belinda Lee, Vice President of Development at CPP. “The acquisition and redevelopment of St. Anthony Plaza will help preserve and improve much-needed affordable housing for the city, ensuring that low-income families have a safe, stable place to call home.”  

St. Anthony Plaza is set to undergo a transformative renovation, bringing modern, energy-efficient upgrades that will enhance both sustainability and resident comfort. These improvements will include state-of-the-art Energy Star-rated appliances, new windows designed for efficiency, and LED lighting throughout the community. Water conservation will be a key focus, with low-flow and flush-rated plumbing fixtures and a full domestic water repipe. Residents will also benefit from a brand-new heating and cooling system, along with crucial electrical upgrades. Inside each unit, healthier living spaces will be created with low-VOC flooring, paint, and adhesives, as well as formaldehyde-free cabinets and countertops. In addition, accessibility improvements will ensure smooth, compliant pathways to residences, amenities, and parking, with enhanced common areas and restrooms designed to better serve all residents.

Beyond the interiors, the exterior of St. Anthony Plaza will receive a much-needed facelift, including stucco repairs, fresh paint, and new roofing to improve both aesthetics and durability. The community’s outdoor spaces will also see major enhancements, including resurfaced and restriped parking across 10 acres, improved drainage and erosion control, and ACM remediation. Safety and security remain a top priority, with plans for additional lighting, a new 6-foot perimeter fence, and controlled access to create a more secure and welcoming environment. These upgrades reflect a steadfast commitment to providing a modern, accessible, and vibrant community where residents can feel safe and comfortable.

“At CPP, we are dedicated to preserving and enhancing affordable housing communities that provide stability for families and individuals,” said Alexis Castillo, Assistant Development Manager at CPP. “The renovations at St. Anthony Plaza will not only improve the quality of life for residents through modern, energy-efficient upgrades but also ensure long-term affordability for generations to come. We are proud to partner with local organizations to bring these critical improvements to Albuquerque’s Near North Valley community.”

CPP is partnering with LifeSTEPS to provide on-site adult education, health and wellness, and skill-building classes and services to residents.  

Renovations are expected to be complete by Spring 2026. The property’s affordability was set to expire in October 2025, but with CPP’s involvement, the Section-8 Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) contract will be renewed for 20 years. Additionally, the property will encumber a new Land Use Restrictive Agreement (LURA) to ensure affordability for 30 years. All units will be income restricted to family households at or below 60% of Area Median Income (AMI).

Additional partners on the project include Bernalillo County, who will issue $33,500,000 in tax-exempt multifamily housing revenue bonds. Ready Capital will provide the financing by purchasing bonds through a private placement. PNC will serve as the equity investor.

Read More
A call to action arrow.
March 27, 2025
CPP Announces Acquisition of Ramona Park in Los Angeles County

CPP, a mission-driven affordable housing preservation developer, has announced the acquisition and planned renovation of Ramona Park, an affordable housing complex in Baldwin Park, Calif. This is CPP’s fourth project in the Los Angeles area in the past year.  

Ramona Park is located at 13870 Ramona Boulevard in Baldwin Park, approximately 15 miles east of Downtown Los Angeles. Designed with families in mind, the property is comprised of eight, two-story, garden-style buildings which house 49 one-, two-, and three-bedroom units. Community amenities include a community room, playground, and laundry room, as well as on-site management. CPP plans to invest $75,000 per unit in renovations.

"The renovations at Ramona Park reflect our ongoing commitment to preserving and enhancing affordable housing in Metro Los Angeles, where the need has never been greater. With more than 500,000 low-income households in the region struggling to find affordable rental options, it is critical that we invest in maintaining and modernizing these communities,” said Belinda Lee, Vice President of Development at CPP. “This acquisition, preservation and rehabilitation of the property will not only improve the quality of life for our residents but also ensure long-term sustainability, accessibility, and security for families who call Ramona Park home."

Ramona Park is set to undergo significant renovations to address long-overdue maintenance needs. The improvements will include both interior and exterior upgrades, such as new windows, flooring, cabinets, countertops, appliances, and lighting. Additionally, ADA-compliant units and pathways will be enhanced to meet local accessibility requirements. As part of the revitalization, new amenities will be introduced, including a picnic area, bike racks, a business center, social services, and surveillance cameras.  

“Preserving and improving affordable housing is essential to supporting the well-being of our communities. The renovations at Ramona Park will provide residents with safer, more modern homes while also enhancing accessibility and adding valuable amenities,” said Philip Choi, Development Manager at CPP.

CPP is partnering with LifeSTEPS to provide on-site, instructor-led adult education, health and wellness, and skill-building classes and services to residents.  

Renovations are expected to be complete by the end of 2025. The property’s affordability was set to expire in October 2025, but with CPP’s involvement, the Section-8 Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) contract will be renewed for 20 years. All units will be income restricted to family households earning 30%, 40%, 50% and 60% percent of the Area Median Income (AMI).

Additional partners on the project include the California Tax Credit Allocation Committee (CTCAC), who issued and allocated 9% LIHTC. WNC & Associates serves as the equity partner. US Bank is providing construction financing and Capital One serves as the permanent lender, using a Freddie Mac product.  

Read More
A call to action arrow.
June 11, 2025
CPP & Beacon Communities Announce Acquisition of Brewery Square Apartments in New Haven, Connecticut

Community Preservation Partners, a mission-driven affordable housing preservation developer, and Beacon Communities, one of the nation’s leading affordable housing development and management companies, have announced the acquisition and planned rehabilitation of Brewery Square Apartments in New Haven, Connecticut. This is the second community for CPP in the Fair Haven neighborhood, following the recent completion of nearby Fairbank Apartments.

Located at 1 Brewery Square along the Quinnipiac River, Brewery Square is a two-building, 104-unit apartment community originally constructed in 1896 as a brewery and later converted to housing in the early 1980s. With this acquisition, the team will extend affordability protections and implement significant renovations while preserving the historic character of the property.

“This acquisition allows us to increase and deepen affordability while also extending the life of a property that is deeply cherished by the community,” said John Fraser, Vice President of Development at CPP. “We are proud to protect the historic fabric of this neighborhood while delivering modern upgrades that respond directly to resident needs.”

The total development investment of approximately $43 million includes extensive renovations estimated at $112,342 per unit. Planned upgrades include all-new stainless-steel appliances, updated bathrooms, quartz countertops, new windows, refinished floors, and the installation of advanced security systems. The site will also feature enhanced landscaping, cobblestone walkways, and the adaptive reuse of the historic gatehouse into a secure indoor bike storage area — an amenity specifically requested by residents. Additionally, the renovations are expected to improve the property’s energy performance by more than 15%, enhancing efficiency and reducing utility costs.

"Brewery Square serves as a model for high-quality, architecturally interesting, mixed-income housing,” said Sarah Miller, Fair Haven Alder. “We look forward to CPP and Beacon building upon and extending this legacy, preserving both affordability and quality for another generation."

The renovation will transition 84 of the 104 units into the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program, with affordability levels ranging from 30% to 80% of Area Median Income (AMI), averaging just below 60%. The property’s existing HAP contract, currently set to expire in 2034, will be extended by an additional 20 years, ensuring long-term affordability.

Brewery Square is made up of two continuous buildings and features a unit mix of two efficiency units, 41 one-bedroom units, 55 two-bedroom units, and six three-bedroom units. The property offers ample parking with 151 total spaces split between a 107-space front lot and a 44-space rear lot. Occupancy has consistently exceeded 95%, and residents have played a key role in shaping planned improvements, particularly those that preserve the community’s historic charm and enhance daily living.

“The adaptive reuse of Brewery Square Apartments will modernize and expand affordable housing options In New Haven, while breathing new life into a piece of the City’s history,” said Dara Kovel, CEO, Beacon Communities. “We’re honored to bring our exceptional property management to a new community of New Haven residents. Thank you to our partners at Community Preservation Partners, who share our commitment to creating quality housing that will remain affordable for generations to come.”

Brewery Square marks the fifth property for Beacon Communities in New Haven. The company currently manages Ninth Square Apartments, Edith Johnson Towers and Monterey Place, and started construction last year on The Atwater at Ninth Square, which is expected to be completed in 2026.

The project leverages LIHTC 4% tax credits and tax-exempt bonds. Financing partners include NewPoint as the construction and permanent lender, KeyBank as the tax credit and EBL investor, Eversource as the state historic tax credit investor, and JPMorgan Chase as the federal historic tax credit investor. Heritage Consulting has been retained to ensure all work complies with National Park Service historic guidelines.

Read More
May 14, 2025
CPP Announces Acquisition of St. Anthony Plaza Apartments in Albuquerque, New Mexico

CPP, a mission-driven affordable housing preservation developer, in partnership with Housing New Mexico, Bernalillo County, Near North Valley Neighborhood Association, and the City of Albuquerque, has announced the acquisition and planned renovation of St. Anthony Plaza Apartments, an affordable housing complex in Albuquerque, N.M.. This is the 39th community in New Mexico for CPP.

St. Anthony Plaza Apartments is located at 1750 Indian School Road NW in the Near North Valley region of Albuquerque. Originally built in 1975 and designed to accomodate multigenerational living, the property is in need of substantial rehabilitations. St. Anthony Plaza offers 46 one-bedroom, 76 two-bedroom, 24 three-bedroom and 14 four-bedroom units across 11, two-story buildings. CPP’s total development investment is approximately $70M, which includes the purchase price of $27.16M and estimated renovation costs of approximately $122,000 per unit.

“Currently, over half of the renters in Albuquerque are cost burdened, meaning they are spending more than 30% of their income on housing,” said Belinda Lee, Vice President of Development at CPP. “The acquisition and redevelopment of St. Anthony Plaza will help preserve and improve much-needed affordable housing for the city, ensuring that low-income families have a safe, stable place to call home.”  

St. Anthony Plaza is set to undergo a transformative renovation, bringing modern, energy-efficient upgrades that will enhance both sustainability and resident comfort. These improvements will include state-of-the-art Energy Star-rated appliances, new windows designed for efficiency, and LED lighting throughout the community. Water conservation will be a key focus, with low-flow and flush-rated plumbing fixtures and a full domestic water repipe. Residents will also benefit from a brand-new heating and cooling system, along with crucial electrical upgrades. Inside each unit, healthier living spaces will be created with low-VOC flooring, paint, and adhesives, as well as formaldehyde-free cabinets and countertops. In addition, accessibility improvements will ensure smooth, compliant pathways to residences, amenities, and parking, with enhanced common areas and restrooms designed to better serve all residents.

Beyond the interiors, the exterior of St. Anthony Plaza will receive a much-needed facelift, including stucco repairs, fresh paint, and new roofing to improve both aesthetics and durability. The community’s outdoor spaces will also see major enhancements, including resurfaced and restriped parking across 10 acres, improved drainage and erosion control, and ACM remediation. Safety and security remain a top priority, with plans for additional lighting, a new 6-foot perimeter fence, and controlled access to create a more secure and welcoming environment. These upgrades reflect a steadfast commitment to providing a modern, accessible, and vibrant community where residents can feel safe and comfortable.

“At CPP, we are dedicated to preserving and enhancing affordable housing communities that provide stability for families and individuals,” said Alexis Castillo, Assistant Development Manager at CPP. “The renovations at St. Anthony Plaza will not only improve the quality of life for residents through modern, energy-efficient upgrades but also ensure long-term affordability for generations to come. We are proud to partner with local organizations to bring these critical improvements to Albuquerque’s Near North Valley community.”

CPP is partnering with LifeSTEPS to provide on-site adult education, health and wellness, and skill-building classes and services to residents.  

Renovations are expected to be complete by Spring 2026. The property’s affordability was set to expire in October 2025, but with CPP’s involvement, the Section-8 Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) contract will be renewed for 20 years. Additionally, the property will encumber a new Land Use Restrictive Agreement (LURA) to ensure affordability for 30 years. All units will be income restricted to family households at or below 60% of Area Median Income (AMI).

Additional partners on the project include Bernalillo County, who will issue $33,500,000 in tax-exempt multifamily housing revenue bonds. Ready Capital will provide the financing by purchasing bonds through a private placement. PNC will serve as the equity investor.

Read More

The return on caring is infinite.

We transform communities with solutions that leave an indelible mark on the lives of people. Our care creates what matters most - a place to call home.
Begin Partnership