Developer Transformed Historic Albany School Into Apartments
A vacant 19th-century school building has been converted into 32 new market-rate apartments in Albany.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Home Renovation
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Developer Nick Maxhuni has completed the rehabilitation of a former Public School No. 17 building, turning the site into 32 modern residential units. The project serves as a key piece of a broader effort to revitalize the local neighborhood.
Why it matters
The conversion aims to boost housing inventory in Albany while sparking renewed interest in the area. This development aligns with larger city and state initiatives to transform underutilized properties into vibrant residential spaces.
Nick Maxhuni invested $4.8 million to rehabilitate the 19th-century school, creating 32 market-rate apartments. To date, 26 of these units have been successfully leased to residents.
The players
Nick Maxhuni
He is a developer based in Staten Island who spearheaded the conversion of the former Public School No. 17 into modern apartments.
Pike Construction
This firm is managing the separate Mosaic South residential project which involves the development of 167 new housing units.
The details
Contractors successfully repurposed the historic school building into residential living spaces, while simultaneously addressing the surrounding vacant lots. The conversion represents a significant physical transformation for the site, which had long sat empty before the developer secured the property.
Timeline
The apartment conversion project reached completion in 2026.
The neighborhood is projected to become the city's hottest by 2027.
Culture Shift
This project mirrors the city's larger effort to reverse long-term stagnation by incentivizing private investment in historic architecture. It highlights a shift toward reclaiming vacant urban space to meet current housing demands.
Residents may see improved neighborhood aesthetics and increased housing supply in the South End. The project also signals potential future growth as the area attempts to transition into a more desirable residential hub.
The takeaway
The successful reuse of historic school buildings demonstrates how private capital can revitalize dormant urban infrastructure. Homebuyers and renters should monitor similar redevelopments in Albany as the city continues to execute its multi-million dollar renewal strategy.
Further reading
For more information on ongoing residential improvements in the region, visit Home Renovation.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Times Union.
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