BINGHAMTON, N.Y. -- An $11 million affordable housing project is on its way to the city of Binghamton.

In his state of the city address last night, Mayor Rich David highlighted the need for more safe, quality housing for low income families.

The project will renovate 10 dilapidated homes on Crandall Street into 40 units of affordable housing.

But a historic multi-family home at 47 North Street, once slated for demolition is now being added to the project.

City councilwoman Dani Cronce worked with community members to save the building, which is now also set to be converted into affordable housing.

"Anything that we can do to save our past," said Dani Cronce, Binghamton City Council - District 3. "If we tear down our past, we're going to lose who we are. We need to remember the past and build with it instead of tearing it down."

The first floor will include community office space operated by the United Way and Binghamton University while the top two floors will be housing units.

The historic Binghamton home was built in the 1870s for a local manufacturer of fine sleighs and carriages.