Mount Vernon Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard and Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul unveiled a new 17-story mixed used building on Tuesday.

Hochul joined local dignitaries and developers for the grand opening of 22 South West.

"I come back here as someone who knows this community, who understands this community, and I know that this community is far better off,” says Hochul. “Having this magnificent home for hundreds of people instead of having an abandoned gas station on this site."

News 12 is told the building has 189 affordable housing units. Apartments are complete with high-end appliances and nice views.

Storage company employee and current tenant Lou Rodriguez witnessed the groundbreaking, saying in part, "I watched this building go up from scratch and I was obsessed with it from the beginning."

He further goes on to say how he never dreamed he’d be able to afford living there. "When you see the building, the first thing you think is this is a luxury building, my bank account doesn’t look like it's going to be able to pull this off,” says Rodriguez. “Because of the programs that are in place, somebody like me, that maybe doesn’t have the most fortune, can afford it."

The $95 million building is also equipped with a gym and an outdoor terrace, and it serves as an Amazon delivery hub.

It took developers 36 months to complete the project.

McQuesten Development CEO Rella Fogliano says, "It's very heartwarming, and it's just wonderful to see the residents moving in."

Patterson-Howard says buildings like 22 South West are the future of the city.

“We can’t talk about what Mount Vernon was, we have to talk about what Mount Vernon shall be,” says Patterson-Howard.

Rent at the 17-story building ranges from $1,200 to $3,000 per month.