On January 25, 2022, a devastating fire at the Pines of Perinton displaced more than 65 residents and destroyed 19 homes in Fairport, New York. Families lost not only their apartments, but the sense of safety and stability that comes with home. The impact of the fire made one thing clear: recovery would require more than repairs – it would require a complete reimagining of the community.
Rebuilding With Purpose
In response, Winn, the owner and property manager of the community, partnered closely with the Town of Perinton to move from crisis to long-term recovery. In 2023, a $137 million rehabilitation project began, transforming the former Pines of Perinton into what Evergreen East is now.
The scope of work touched every corner of the community:
- All 508 apartments were fully renovated, including new kitchens, bathrooms, mechanical systems, and utilities
- Energy-efficient windows, accessibility upgrades, and improved infrastructure were added
- Streets were repaved, lighting enhanced, and community spaces redesigned
This investment wasn’t just about restoring buildings – it was about creating a safer, stronger, more resilient community.
Connected Communities Supports Residents During Uncertainty
As construction progressed, it became clear that resident support was just as important as the physical rebuild.
Connected Communities played a critical role in helping residents navigate a period of uncertainty and change. Senior Community Coordinator Stacey Thompson served as a consistent, trusted presence on site – focused on resident comfort, stability, and empowerment, separate from property management.
As Connected Communities Team Lead Brianna Surdi shared:
“During a time when there was so much uncertainty, Stacey’s role was really about making sure residents had someone to go to – someone focused on their comfort, their stability, and helping them feel supported throughout the entire process.”
– Brianna Surdi, Connected Communities Team Lead
Watch the Walk & Talk Video
For an inside look at the Evergreen East transformation and hear Brianna and Stacy discuss resident engagement and community partnerships, check out the full Evergreen East Walk & Talk video.
This video provides a firsthand glimpse of the renovations, community spaces, and the people who made this transformation possible.
Partnerships That Strengthen Community
Recovery extended beyond construction. Winn and Connected Communities, working alongside the Town of Perinton, focused on rebuilding connection and opportunity within the neighborhood.
Through these partnerships:
- Youth were transported to town recreation and aquatic programs
- Learning Links programming supported academic engagement
- Community events like National Night Out strengthened relationships with local police, fire, EMS, and municipal partners
These efforts helped residents feel connected not only to Evergreen East, but to the broader Fairport and Perinton community.
Collaboration Ensures Quality & Safety
The Town of Perinton’s building and codes team worked closely with Winn and construction partners throughout the project. Over the course of the two-year project, more than 2,100 inspections were completed to ensure safety, quality, and long-term durability – all while minimizing disruption for residents.
Evergreen East: A New Chapter in Fairport, NY
Today, Evergreen East stands renewed with more than 500 fully renovated apartments, a revitalized Community Center with a computer lab and gym, updated laundry facilities, and a community strengthened by shared experience.
The transformation of Evergreen East demonstrates what is possible when property management, local government, nonprofit partners, and residents work together. When disaster strikes, coming together means more than rebuilding structures – it means fostering connection, trust, and resilience that lasts long after construction ends.
