The
transformation of School 77 into affordable housing, which began construction in
May, is at the halfway mark.
The
rehabilitation of the property at 429 Plymouth Ave. is on track for an early
spring opening, Marjorie McAllister, project manager, said.
“We
are 50 percent complete. We just installed the windows and floors in the
building,” McAllister said.
The
project is being directed by People United for Sustainable Housing Buffalo, and
its housing development company, Buffalo Neighborhood Stabilization Company
Inc.
The
90-year-old building will feature income-based housing for residents 55 and
older, as well as become the new home for the Ujima Theatre Company. The building
will include offices for community programs, including PUSH, which will be
consolidating its offices and moving into the new building upon completion.
The
$15 million project is the largest PUSH has taken on in its 13 years of
operation.
PUSH
started the project after three years of advocating and collecting community
input. Local residents decided affordable housing for senior citizens is what
the neighborhood needed.
In
addition to the School 77 project, PUSH is working on several other affordable
housing units on the West Side. By
Zachary Memmott and Khlaid Terrell
