Earlier this week, Governor Kathy Hochul revealed a plan to convert the former Bayview Correctional Facility at 550 West 20th Street in West Chelsea into affordable housing.

The 100,000-square-foot building, to be rebranded as Liberty Branding, is being redeveloped through a joint venture between Camber Property Group and Osborne Association. The $108-million plan calls for converting the structure in 124 homes with on-site supportive services.

Street-level rendering of Bayview Correctional FacilityCOOKFOX Architects

“Every New Yorker deserves access to safe, stable, and affordable housing. Liberty Landing represents a significant step forward in our efforts to provide inclusive housing opportunities and support to vulnerable New Yorkers,” said Governor Hochul. “This innovative project will transform a former symbol of incarceration into a beacon of hope, healing, and opportunity.”

Bayview's existing Main and Annex buildings will be kept mostly intact, although a new interior courtyard will be created to enable more of the property to be converted to housing. The plan also calls for a 9,300-square-foot community facility with space for youth programming, as well as 15 units of short-term transition housing for persons facing mental health challenges. That component of the project will be funded by the State Office of Mental Health.

Terrace deckCOOKFOX Architects

Osborne Association will provide social services for residents, including workforce development programs, family and relationship coaching, living skills training, and nutrition education.