In 2019, Jessie Wig, together with investors, bought an old high school, which had been abandoned for 10 years, in Homestead, Pennsylvania, for $100,000 and converted it into a 31-unit apartment building. Renovations started in 2020, took 18 months to complete, and cost $3.3 million. In exchange for keeping the historical significance of the building intact, Wig and his team received historic tax credits from the state and the US government. 

From a social perspective, Wig, who is a nearby resident, was successful in revitalizing the area. The project also reduced disruptions in the surrounding neighborhood since it utilized an existing structure, while also prioritizing maintaining the historical character of the neighborhood. From an environmental perspective, Wig kept the structure of the building and its exterior features intact, saving a lot of greenhouse gasses that would have occurred with a new build.  Additionally, the developers reused many of the original materials found in the school, like bookshelves and original hardwood floors; some units feature original chalkboards. The building also benefits from a large amount of natural light due to its massive windows. 

Within 6 months, the former high school was fully occupied by renters.

Here’s the exterior of the renovated apartment building: 

The auditorium became a resident’s lounge: 

A one-bedroom apartment features the original chalkboards:

What a great example of responsible architecture at work!

Source:  https://www.cnbc.com/2023/04/25/apartment-building-abandoned-high-school-unlocked.html