Located in the heart of Ithaca, the mixed-use and mixed-income development of Founders Way serves as a marker of INHS’s long-standing commitment to meeting local needs. Founders Way was redeveloped from the former Immaculate Conception School property into 75 affordable rental housing units and space for two local nonprofit organizations.

As part of the ambitious project, INHS adaptively re-used one wing of the existing school, constructed two new groups of rental townhomes, preserved a circa-1850 Greek Revival house, and subdivided the former school gymnasium, which was sold to the City of Ithaca for use by the Greater Ithaca Activities Center. Two of the property’s commercial units are occupied by the Learning Web and The Village at Ithaca, both local nonprofits with education-centric missions for children and families in the community.

The completion of Founders Way in 2022 effectively restored the residential rhythm of the streetscape that had been interrupted by the 2017 closure of the Immaculate Conception School. The development has also provided new opportunities for individuals and families in need of support. 13 Founders Way households are set aside for formerly homeless victims of domestic violence, formerly homeless young adults, and individuals with developmental disabilities and include onsite support services and rental subsidies.

Founders Way resident Stella is grateful for what Founders Way has given her family. “Not only does INHS build homes for families, but they also keep them together. We have a disabled family member, and because of INHS, he will live near us at Founders Way. This is a dream come true,” Stella says.