WinnDevelopment began a $21.5 million overhaul of an 83-year-old vacant high school in 2019, it later reopened with 70 senior apartments, here's how

In East Haven, Connecticut, a vacant high school found a new purpose as a residential community for senior citizens. WinnDevelopment started this work reportedly. It was on a $21.5 million project in June 2019. The purpose was to convert a historic school building into 70 apartments for people aged 55 and older. Tyler, the new community, officially opened on October 22, 2020.

This brought a long-unused building back into service. It also added affordable housing to the town. The former East Haven School had been vacant for about 20 years. The building had served as the town's high school since 1936.

WinnDevelopment made the decision to preserve the building rather than replace it with a new structure. The redevelopment covered a 104,871-square-foot property and involved big changes to its interiors, and facilities.

How did it transform the school?

The redevelopment plan included many things such as new windows, doors and exterior repairs, along with upgraded heating, ventilation and other utilities.

It also received improved insulation, a new elevator and energy-efficient lighting and appliances.

When the property was completed, it had 67 one-bedroom apartments and three two-bedroom apartments. It also had a fitness centre, a craft room, a resident lounge, an outdoor courtyard and an on-site management office.

The project was reportedly designed to retain the character of the historic building. They also wanted to adapt it for modern residential use.

ALSO READ: In 2021, a Baltimore property entered the tax-sale system despite a $13,478 tax payment; what did the court say?

Who can live in the apartments?

The Tyler was developed for a simple reason. It was for a mixed-income community for residents aged 55 and older. 20 apartments were reportedly offered at market-rate rents. The remaining were made available at income-linked rates.

ALSO READ: Meet Brock Giles, who started a hot-sauce side hustle while working in finance in the early 2020s; years later, his business was generating over $100,000 a month

How was it financed?

This was a $21.5 million redevelopment project. It got support from many public and private sources. It also got funding from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston's Affordable Housing Program, energy rebates from United Illuminating and a low-interest permanent loan from BlueHub Capital.