There was an article in the NYT a few years back (1998-2001) about a
woman who had bought up a tall old building that was going to be torn
down, and converted it into a project for the homeless - lodging and
public space for providing social services.  I think the building was
in Manhattan, and that she had raised some $20M for the endeavour, but
this is less certain.
    I was certain I'd saved a clipping, but now I can't find it
anywhere, nor have I had luck searching the NYT archives.  Does anyone
remember this or know about the project?  If so, please point me in
the right direction.  Thanks!

Dear Tez-ga,

I have  enjoyed researching your question. I believe the woman to whom
you  refer is Rosanne Haggerty. The New York Times article about her
and the renovation of the Prince George Hotel is titled “PUBLIC LIVES;
Rebuilding Lives While Reviving Buildings “ by Jan Hoffman, March 3,
2000 (Friday), Metropolitan Desk.

You can view this article after registering (for free) with the NY
Times on line:
http://www.nytimes.com/

For more information about Ms. Haggerty please visit the following
sites:

For her work, Ms. Haggerty received the MacArthur “Genius Award”
http://www.amherst.edu/~pubaff/news/news_releases/01/haggerty.html

An interview with Roseanne Haggerty in ShelterForce Online (2002)
http://www.nhi.org/online/issues/125/commonground.html

Search Strategy:

Using Google:  “Homeless” + “Manhattan” + “building”
This led to information about Ms. Haggerty which I used to search the
NYT archives:
“Haggerty” + “Homeless”

If you require more assistance regarding this answer please request a
clarification and allow me to respond before rating.  I hope this is
helpful.

Regards,
Gitana

Thank you, gitana.  That Metro Desk article is exactly what I was looking for.