ALBANY - Imagine a mixed-use, mixed-income complex in the South End that generates all the power it needs to function.

Couple that with the ability to collect and store rainwater, keeping stormwater out of Albany’s aging infrastructure.

Top it off by treating the stormwater for use to flush toilets, shower and cook.

The estimated $25 million Seventy-Six complex at Second Avenue and Krank Street was awarded $658,020 by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority to bring the “eco-luxury, triple net-zero” complex to fruition.

The project was one of 28 designs awarded funds through the authority’s Buildings of Excellence program, which supports low-carbon emitting multifamily building projects. The South End design was one of three selected in the Capital Region that received $2.4 million in total funds, according to a news release.

“We’re reaching the highest sustainability we can obtain,” said Corey Jones, of South End Development LLC, who initially pitched the ambitious project to area residents a year ago. “It will produce enough energy to go back to the grid.”

Projects in their early design phases were considered for the funding, and awarded based on their energy efficient and carbon neutral pursuits that are financially viable and can be easily replicated.

What makes the South End project unique to others is Jones’ plan to use steel modular components to construct the six and seven-story buildings that will all be net-zero, passive housing. Building modular not only saves money, but increases the speed and efficiency of the construction along with the sustainable approach of the project, Jones said.

South End Development owns 76, 78, 80 and 82 Second Ave. as well as 13 Krank St., which is all vacant land, according to city records. Jones has said he's working to acquire additional properties along Scott Street to make the three-building complex a reality.

The first building will rise on Second Avenue at six stories, but will appear shorter because it will be below grade. It will be a mix of 25 residential units and six commercial units, complete with a rooftop event space, coworking space and cafe. The project uses the existing landscape to ensure the height of the buildings do not tower over existing single-family homes and buildings, as well as incorporating a rain garden to collect stormwater, Jones said.

The roof will have a solar canopy that will not only generate power but collect rainwater, he added.

“We’re reclaiming the views of our city and putting all the amenities on the rooftop,” Jones said. “It’s a beautiful area, and it’s really hard to see the beauty of Albany when you’re just driving in and out.”

Jones, who was born and raised in the South End, has envisioned this project for years. He’s worked in construction for over a decade, and is using his expertise to transform the neighborhood that has seen decades of disinvestment.

“I like challenging projects,” he said. “It’s fascinating to be able to pull this project off.”

When Jones pitched the project to residents in late September last year, the reactions were mixed, some feared the development was too massive while others were concerned about traffic congestion and the impact on nearby buildings and the combined sewer and wastewater system.

The state award shows many in the community have rallied behind the plans.

South End Neighborhood Association President JoAnn Morton praised the project for it tackling many of the environmental and sustainable goals state and local entities have put forth.

“Historical levels of sustainability in water waste management, solar power, geothermal power, passive housing design, and overall resident satisfaction are met and exceeded in the plans of this new complex,” Morton wrote in a letter of support. “This progressive step into the future brings about a pivotal change for a brighter, cleaner, and prosperous future for the city of Albany, and the South End community.”

Mayor Kathy Sheehan’s Chief of Staff Brian Shea said there’s a lot of excitement in the community for the project, which Sheehan wrote a letter of support for.

“Our vision is a city where every neighborhood works, and this type of investment in any neighborhood is a good thing,” Shea said. “It’s the icing on the cake when the developer is a local person born and raised in the neighborhood.”

Jones still is working with various agencies to secure more funds, but expects to present the updated plan to city planning officials within the next few months.

Jahkeen Hoke, executive director of the South End grassroots organization AVillage, Inc., said the project not only would be a boon for the neighborhood, but the capital city as a whole. The project is at least the first of its kind for the region, he said.

“It represents a change in time and perspective,” Hoke said. “This is going to prove what the future holds for this area.”

New York State Energy Research and Development Authority President and CEO Alicia Barton credited public-private partnerships for "helping to drive change across the state."