Buffalo New York Public School 75 opened in 1925 and acted as a neighborhood anchor and asset for more than 50 years in the William-Emslie section of town. It closed in 1979 and, after serving other purposes, shut its doors for good in the early 2000s. Sitting vacant for two decades, the building fell into disrepair, as did the area around it. Despite the building’s rundown condition, Western New York Veterans Housing Coalition, Inc. saw potential to support local veterans and families by restoring the school into housing, and building new housing in the surrounding area, as part of a larger City of Buffalo revitalization effort on the city’s east side.

The Coalition teamed up with Norstar Development USA, Stieglitz Snyder Architecture, M&T Bank and others to preserve School 75 and create 47 apartments, a mix of studio, 1-bedroom, and 2-bedroom units, including 33 with supportive services for veterans and military service-disabled individuals. Twelve new housing buildings with 18 affordable units utilized vacant parcels in the surrounding neighborhood. The project was completed in December 2022.

A great effort was made to preserve the three-story building’s historic features, including its brick façade. All windows and four entry doors were replaced with replicas matching the original look. Existing classroom chalk boards and closets were integrated into the living units. The original wood and glass classroom door and transom light combination serves as the front door to each living unit. The hallways feature restoration of original wood storage spaces, original terrazzo floors, and plaster walls. Part of the auditorium is now the main entrance and community room, while another part houses the headquarters of the Western New York Veterans Housing Coalition. Communal spaces are available for use by residents of the surrounding community. The project advanced resiliency and sustainability strategies through its design and construction, with all units Energy Star-rated.

School 75 is now called the Charlie Bush Building in honor of U.S. Army Specialist Charles E. Bush Jr., a Buffalo native who was killed in action in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Residents receive rental subsidy through the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative program and HUD’s Continuum of Care program. The households also are linked with comprehensive on-site services provided by the project owner, the Western New York Veterans Housing Coalition.

Financing for the $29 million development included investments from New York State Homes and Community Renewal, the City of Buffalo, HUD HOME program, and the New York State Energy and Research Development Authority. The project also utilized Federal and State Low Income Housing Tax Credits and federal and state historic tax credit equity.

This Advisory Council on Historic Preservation video highlights the history and restoration of Public School 75. You can watch the award ceremony here.