ITHACA, N.Y. (WENY) -- The completion of a $32-million housing complex was introduced Thursday afternoon, highlighting a new arts space in the Cherry Street District in Ithaca.   

The Ithaca Arthaus, a 123-unit income-based apartment development, opened its doors to artists and residents looking for affordable housing. The complex includes arts-related community facilities and 40 homes for young people in need of support services. Ithaca's acting Mayor Laura Lewis says it provides opportunities for young people who may be struggling.   

“It allows, not only housing but encourages our youth to express their creativity,” Lewis said. “It's a space, not only where they express creativity, but they can showcase for one another and the public.”   

State funding for the $32 million Ithaca Arthaus includes $4.8 million in permanent tax-exempt bonds, Federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits that generated $10.9 million in equity, and $14 million in subsidy from New York State Homes and Community Renewal. The complex comes as part of a state-wide initiative to provide quality, affordable housing across New York State. The Arthaus aims to use this mission to improve Ithaca, giving residents a place to reside close to the city.   

“The Governor wants to make sure as cities like Ithaca grow and prosper, that people who have been here for a long time can continue to live here affordably or that new, young people can afford to move here and find affordable housing,” said RuthAnne Visnauskas, Commissioner of NYS Homes and Community Renewal. “It's important that as places like Ithaca grow, part of that fabric is affordable housing.”   

Locally, the Ithaca Arthuas looks to provide housing for homeless youth in the community. Vecino Group President Rick Manzardo feels the arts in the complex will help the homeless get off the streets quicker and into a new life.   

“We’ve done other projects where we connect the youth with arts, and we feel it’s a great combination; the two work well together,” Manzardo said. “They're starting way back in the race, so anything we can do to help them out, that's what this is about.”   

The development's ground floor includes two spaces dedicated to the arts. The Cherry Gallery and Studio are built for residents to engage in art and theater-related activities. Cherry Arts, the nonprofit that runs Cherry Artspace next-door to the Arthaus, will assist in carrying out festivities. The Gallery will provide an exhibition space for residents to showcase their work. The Cherry Studio will provide a rehearsal space for workshops, after-school programs, and group activities.  

More information about the living and arts services offered through the Ithaca Arthaus can be found online.