A Journey Through Decades of Community Development
In response to the post-WWII housing crisis, Rochester civic and business leaders created a plan for affordable housing. Within nine months, Fernwood Park Apartments opened, quickly followed by another 360 veteran units, laying the foundation for Rochester Management's mission.
Formally established as a nonprofit, Rochester Management became the region's largest landlord by the 1960s. During this era, we built and managed nearly 2,000 affordable apartments for seniors and added 900 units of student housing to our portfolio.
Over two decades, RMI undertook large-scale redevelopment and refinancing of more than 2,400 units, significantly reducing rent burdens and ensuring long-term affordability for seniors and families.
We assisted local nonprofit partners with the lease-up and management of 200+ units while strengthening resident services. New on-site coordination and programming helped seniors remain independent and thrive in their communities.
Rochester Management achieved the prestigious Accredited Management Organization (AMO) certification from the Institute of Real Estate Management, affirming its commitment to professional excellence.
We launched the East Ridge Compliance and Facilities Management Training Center, advancing workforce development in the housing sector. That same year, the organization celebrated the grand openings of Zion Hill Senior Apartments and Meadow Reserve Apartments.
After years of planning and community engagement, we broke ground on the redevelopment of Cobbs Hill Village. The project preserves long-term affordability while delivering modern, intentionally designed senior apartments without raising rents for existing residents.
We began expansion beyond Rochester, managing 60 new supportive housing units in Utica, New York, further broadening our impact across Upstate.
Marking a new chapter, we secured funding to build and sell our first single-family homes for underserved residents. Construction began on 22 quality homes on formerly vacant, city-owned parcels in Northeast Rochester.
Looking ahead, we are partnering with First Genesis Baptist Church to develop affordable senior housing and with New Bethel Church to create inclusive, affordable housing for families within Rochester's Inner Loop.
Over the past 25 years, Rochester Management has invested more than $80 million in renovations and capital improvements. With nearly 300 new affordable senior units added, 125 full-time employees, and strong MWBE partnerships, we continue to drive over $200 million in economic impact while building stable, inclusive communities.