Olbiston Apartments: Wins a 2025 Excellence in Historic Preservation Award

In 2025, Olbiston Apartments was honoured with the Excellence in Historic Preservation Award by the Preservation League of New York State. The award recognises exemplary efforts in restoring and preserving historic buildings.  

The Olbiston building had suffered enduring neglect and deterioration for many years. In 2021, Liberty Affordable Housing saw its potential to address Utica’s need for affordable housing and stepped in to rehabilitate it.  

Using a combination of public and private funding—including Federal and New York State Rehabilitation Tax Credits—the project transformed the building into almost 160 residential units, along with common spaces, tenant storage and parking.   Architects from Carmina Wood Design preserved key historic features while upgrading each unit to modern housing standards.  

The award highlights how historic preservation and affordable housing can work hand in hand: saving a significant structure, reviving a community landmark, and meeting current housing needs. Liberty Affordable Housing’s work on Olbiston Apartments stands as a powerful example of that approach.  

Read the full story here: Preservation League of NYS — 2025 Excellence in Historic Preservation Award Winners