Heart of the City Neighborhoods, Inc. is a not-for-profit corporation dedicated to creating programs that improve the quality of residential housing and developing sustainable projects to support Buffalo.

Project Spotlight: 596 Genesee (Arthur’s Pub)

Funded through the East Side Building Fund (ESBF) and managed by HOCN, 596 Genesee receives flooring and plumbing repairs.

Project Spotlight: 1495 Jefferson (Nanny’s Nook)

Funded through the East Side Building Fund (ESBF) and managed by HOCN, 1495 Jefferson receives roofing, waterproofing, and plumbing repairs.

Project Spotlight: 1096 E. Lovejoy (Sweet Mix @1096)

Funded through the East Side Building Fund (ESBF) and managed by HOCN, 1096 E. Lovejoy receives roofing repairs and basement waterproofing.

HOCN's Q2 2026 Commercial Revitalization Updates

Heart of the City Neighborhoods continues advancing commercial revitalization efforts across Buffalo’s East Side through the East Side Building Fund (ESBF) initiative in partnership with Empire State Development. This transformative portfolio represents one of the largest concentrated investments in neighborhood commercial corridors in the city, supporting property rehabilitation, business retention, economic development, and long-term community …

HOCN's Q2 2026 Housing Rehabilitation Updates

During Q2, HOCN completed rehabilitation work on 22 housing units through New York State-funded housing programs, investing more than $576,000 in critical home improvements. An additional 7 housing units were approved through the CPI Program and are awaiting funding. Communities Served: 14201, 14208, 14213, 14214, 14215, and 14222. Repairs made: Roof replacements, furnace installations, accessibility …

Calling All Contractors: Learn About our Upcoming Bidding Opportunities

New York State’s Empire State Development — through its local nonprofit partner Heart of the City Neighborhoods — is seeking licensed and insured contractors to be included in the bidding process on upcoming commercial and mixed-use building renovation projects throughout the East Side of Buffalo. Project scopes will include façade and commercial space improvements, roofing, …