Helio Health, state officials formally open Star Park Apartments in Syracuse

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Helio Health and state officials on Friday formally opened Star Park Apartments at 135 State Fair Boulevard in Syracuse.

Star Park Apartments is an affordable-housing building that set aside some units to provide support for people with mental-health needs.

The New York State Office of Mental Health, New York State Homes and Community Renewal (NYSHCR), and Christa Construction joined Helio Health for the event.

The Star Park project is a collaboration between Central New York Services, Inc., CSD Housing, LLC of Victor, NYSHCR, and the New York State Office of Mental Health.

Central New York Services, Inc. opened the apartment complex back in the fall, but the ceremony was delayed because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Central New York Services affiliated with Syracuse–based Helio Health in 2019. Helio Health operates facilities in Syracuse, Rochester, Utica, and Binghamton. Central New York Services operates at 518 James St. in Syracuse. They are both nonprofit behavioral-health organizations.

Helio Health provides staffing for the supportive units where residents receive case management and recovery supports.

Christa Construction, LLC of Rochester built the $16.1 million project, which was designed by Holmes King Kallquist & Associates, Architects of Syracuse

The 50-unit building contains one-and two-bedroom units, with 30 supportive units reserved for residents with mental health-needs, and 20 affordable apartments for individuals who meet affordable housing income requirements.

Jeremy Klemanski, president and CEO. of Helio Health, says the project will help address a “dire need” in the community.

“The need for integrated, supportive, and high-quality affordable housing in our community is critical. Safe and stable housing is a positive life change,” Klemanski said. “Star Park’s opening will add to the overall health of individuals and our community. We are all proud to offer safe, stable affordable housing that is truly transformational.”

Star Park is a three-story building located on the site of the former Star Park baseball field. In 1928, Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig played on the field with local baseball teams in a series of exhibition games. The original backstop remains part of the landscape.